Denmarks male footballers have refused a salary increase for playing for the national side to gain their female counterparts equal basic pay, the players union said on Friday.

The mens team chose not to ask for a salary increase ¦ to improve the conditions of the womens team, union spokesperson Magnus Hviid told AFP.

He welcomed an extraordinary measure to help take this small step in the right direction, but acknowledged there were still more glass ceilings to break to ensure equal opportunities and conditions within national teams.

Hviid said the action obtained the same basic salary for the womens national team and the mens national team, as well as better insurance coverage for the womens team.

The agreement, signed at the end of May, provides for identical match bonuses for women and men during away matches.

However for the moment due to no bonus for home matches, there remains a disparity in the overall pay between the womens and mens national teams.

The Danish Football Federation (DBU) and the union have agreed to bring forward negotiations on a new deal for the womens national team after the summer break.

Denmark are competing in Euro 2024 and are joint second in Group C after two draws against England and Slovenia.

PUNCH Online reports that achieving salary parity requires a multifaceted approach involving legislation, corporate action, and societal change.

In both the general job market and the world of football, ongoing efforts are crucial to close the gap and ensure fair compensation for all individuals, regardless of gender or race. (AFP)