After the US Women's National Team had their unequal pay claims dismissed by the federal judge overseeing their lawsuit against US Soccer, the team has found a high-profile ally in the form of presidential candidate Joe Biden.
On Friday, the demands for equal pay were thrown out by the judge due to the USWNT's collective bargaining agreement. The discrimination claims regarding differences in travel, training and medical provisions are allowed to continue.
In response to the news, Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential election tweeted his support for the World Cup-winning team. He wrote: "To @USWNT: don’t give up this fight. This is not over yet.
"To @USSoccer: equal pay, now. Or else when I'm president, you can go elsewhere for World Cup funding."
A trial for the case is scheduled for 16 June and the team were seeking $66 million in damages.
The team's spokesperson, Molly Levinson tweeted that a statement saying that the team would appeal the judge's decision.
She wrote: "We are shocked and disappointed with today's decision, but we will not give up our hard work for equal pay. We are confident in our case and steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that girls and women will not be valued as lesser just because of their gender.
"We have learned that there are tremendous obstacles to change; we know that it takes bravery and courage and perseverance to stand up to them. We will appeal and press on. Words cannot express our gratitude to all who support us."
Players including Megan Rapinoe spoke out about the development in the case. Rapinoe tweeted: "We will never stop fighting for EQUALITY."
Alex Morgan echoed Rapinoe's words, tweeting: "Although disappointing to hear this news, this will not discourage us in our fight for equality."