Outrage over huge gender disparity in S. American football

Intended to spotlight women's football in South America, the 2025 Women's Copa America in Ecuador has instead exposed deep inequalities compared with the men's game, outraging some players and drawing unflattering comparisons with the Women's Euro in Switzerland.

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QUITO - Intended to spotlight women's football in South America, the 2025 Women's Copa America in Ecuador has instead exposed deep inequalities compared with the men's game, outraging some players and drawing unflattering comparisons with the Women's Euro in Switzerland.

With Olympic and Pan American qualification at stake, the continent's finest players expected professional conditions when the tournament kicked off earlier in July. However, what they found sparked widespread outrage and calls for systemic change.

The controversy erupted when images circulated on social media showing Brazil and Bolivia players warming up side-by-side in a cramped indoor space before their Group B clash, rather than on the pitch as is standard in men's competitions.

Brazil great Marta, who came out of international retirement at age 39 for the competition, led the calls for change.