Scotland women's team make legal challenge to SFA

The players say their campaign is about parity with the men's national team

Scotland women's national football team are taking legal action against the Scottish FA in a fight over equal pay and conditions after talks broke down.

The players consider there to be disparities between their treatment and that of their male counterparts.

"This is about all professional footballers being treated equally," Aston Villa defender Corsie said.

"After years of iniquity, disrespect, and in some cases abuse, we have a historic opportunity to advance equal pay and to promote equality for women and girls in football.

"This campaign is about parity, and we'll be seeking to engage with the Scottish Football Association, the fans, and everyone in Scotland's football community to deliver this long overdue change."

• Rachel Corsie says women's team not treated equally

The move comes after a landmark case won by the US women's national team earlier this year where they secured a pay-out of more than £17m. The Scottish FA has been approached for comment.

The Scottish women's national team want the SFA to match the actions of the likes of the Football Association of Ireland, which pays the same match appearance fee to its male and female players.

Corsie, 33, first represented the full Scotland team in March 2009 and has amassed 137 caps.

In April she and other members of her squad criticised the SFA on Twitter over its ticketing arrangements at Hampden, claiming only a portion of the national stadium would be open for the visit of Spain in a World Cup qualifier.

The SFA said it was "hugely disappointed by the post" and said: "The ticketing sales process used at Hampden Park is identical to most across Scottish football, with tickets sold in blocks, in line with ongoing demand."

The incident, which Corsie said brought to a head greater frustrations with the way Scottish women's football was organised, led to discussions taking place between Corsie and Ian Maxwell, the SFA chief executive.