Level 1:
Title: Soccer Boss Talks About Same Money for Girls and Boys
FIFA boss talked about giving girls and boys same money in soccer. Some people didn’t like his words. He talked at a big meeting before the girls’ soccer final game. He said girls can change things, but need to pick good fights. He said, “You have power to make us guys do right things.” He told them, “Open doors are there, just push a little.”
He said equal money for big games might not fix things. Girls’ final match has $110 million, boys’ is $440 million. He wants real fairness, not just showing it. People gave their thoughts on his words. One person said, “Put him in old times if he thinks like that.” Another said, “Why should girls ask boys? Boys should know.”
A soccer star laughed and said, “Making a plan to show boys. Who’s with me?” He talked about more girls’ teams in the World Cup. People said it might not work, but he was right. He talked about this while talking about equal money.
People talked about him and police. He asked for special police, but they said no. They said he pays if he wants some police.
What do you think? Should girls have to talk more? Is equal money a good badge? Should girls have big games?
Level 2:
Title: Soccer Leader Discusses Fair Pay for Girls and Boys
The boss of FIFA talked about giving the same money to girls and boys who play soccer. Some people didn’t like what he said. He spoke at a big meeting before the girls’ soccer final game. He told girls they can make changes but should choose good fights. He said, “Girls have power to make us guys do the right things.” He told them, “Open doors are there, just give a little push.”
He also said having the same money for big games might not solve everything. The girls’ final match has $110 million, while the boys’ match has $440 million. He wants real fairness, not just to show it. People shared their thoughts about what he said. One person said, “Put him in the old times if he thinks like that.” Another person asked, “Why should girls have to ask boys? Shouldn’t boys know?”
A soccer star laughed and said, “Making a plan to show boys. Who’s with me?” He talked about having more girls’ teams in the World Cup. People thought it might not work, but he was right. He also talked about this when he talked about the same money.
People also talked about him and the police. He asked for special police, but they said no. They said he has to pay if he wants some police.
What do you think? Should girls have to talk more? Is the same money a good thing? Should girls have big games?
Full Story:
Title: FIFA Chief’s Blunt Take on Women’s Soccer Pay Equality
Equal pay in women’s soccer has been a fiery issue for quite a while now, and the head honcho of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has stepped into the conversation with a perspective that’s raising eyebrows. Speaking at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup final match between Spain and England, Infantino had some words to say – words that some fans are finding a bit hard to swallow.
Infantino, with a backdrop of the game in New Zealand, voiced that women “hold the cards to change,” but he threw in a curveball – saying they’ve got to “pick the right battles.” That’s not all, he added, “Pick the right fights. You have the power to get us guys to understand what we need to do and what we don’t need to do… Just get it done.”
He threw in a dash of optimism, saying, “With us men, with FIFA, you’ll find open doors. Just give them a nudge. They’re open.” And while he’s on the topic, Infantino made it clear that achieving equal pay in big tournaments wouldn’t exactly be the grand solution everyone thinks it might be. He labeled it as a “symbol,” one that might not truly “fix anything.”
Numbers don’t lie, and here’s one to chew on: the pot for the upcoming match is $110 million, a far cry from the hefty $440 million for the men’s World Cup back in 2022. Infantino’s take? “Sure, we’re aiming for equality, but let’s make it genuine, not just for show,” he declared. Fans didn’t hesitate to serve up their thoughts on Infantino’s candid remarks. One tweet didn’t mince words, “Telling them to ‘pick the right fight’? Can we time travel this guy back to the 18th century where he might actually fit in?”
Another tweet questioned, “Why should women be the ones convincing men? Aren’t the guys smart enough to see what’s up? And if not, why should they call the shots? And about those ‘pushing doors’ – shouldn’t men be holding them wide open?”
Ada Hegerberg, a star player from Norway who’s taken home the Ballon d’Or for her exceptional play, didn’t hold back her sarcasm, asking, “Preparing a little presentation to convince the gents. Who’s on board?” Infantino also patted himself on the back, boasting about FIFA’s decision to up the game from 24 women’s teams in the 2019 World Cup to this year’s 32, as reported by ESPN.
Infantino clapped back at the critics, sharing, “The usual suspects were saying it wouldn’t work. ‘The skill levels are way apart.’ ‘We’ll see scores like 15-0.’ ‘It’s bad news for women’s football.’ But, I’m sorry, FIFA got it right. Just as it’s been happening quite a lot recently, FIFA nailed it once again.” Amidst all the chatter about women’s pay, The Guardian spilled the tea that Australian police gave FIFA’s request for a security escort for Infantino the cold shoulder. This type of VIP treatment is usually reserved for top dogs and foreign big shots, but Down Under, they had a different take. New South Wales police agreed to tag along with one vehicle on game days, but guess what? FIFA’s got to foot the bill. (Read more FIFA stories.)
So, where does this leave us? Infantino’s words might be getting mixed reviews, but it’s shining a glaring spotlight on the broader issue. Should women need to jump through hoops to convince men? Is equal pay just a shiny badge without any real change underneath? And why isn’t the pathway to equality as straightforward as it should be?
Sure, there’s talk of progress. FIFA is boasting about expanding the playing field for women, making it bigger and bolder. But is that really enough? When the numbers tell a tale of inequality, can we just let symbolism do the talking?
The World Cup, whether it’s for men or women, is about more than just a game. It’s about showcasing skill, dedication, and passion on a global stage. And when the same stage throws a spotlight on paychecks, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the room. Infantino might be urging women to “pick the right battles,” but maybe the bigger battle is ensuring a fair field, where everyone gets a slice of the pie they so rightly deserve.
As the excitement builds for the World Cup final showdown, there’s an underlying tension. It’s not just about the goals on the field; it’s about scoring a goal for equality, for women who have shown time and again that they’re just as much a force to be reckoned with. The ball is in play, both on the pitch and off. Infantino’s words might be the catalyst for a bigger conversation – one that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable questions. The ultimate goal? Not just winning the cup, but reshaping the narrative for women in soccer, so they’re not just playing the game, but winning the fight for fairness, respect, and recognition.
Questions:
Question: What did Gianni Infantino, the FIFA chief, say about equal pay for women and men in soccer?
Answer: Gianni Infantino, the head of FIFA, spoke about giving the same amount of money to both women and men who play soccer. He mentioned this at a big meeting before the final match for girls’ soccer. He told girls that they have the ability to make changes, but they need to pick the right challenges. He said, “Girls have the power to make us men do what’s right.” He also said that there are opportunities waiting for them, and they just need to push a little to make them happen.
Question: What is Gianni Infantino’s view on achieving equal pay for big soccer tournaments?
Answer: Gianni Infantino mentioned that having the same amount of money for big tournaments might not solve all the issues. He called it a “symbol” that might not really fix everything. He compared the money for the girls’ final match, which is $110 million, to the boys’ match, which has $440 million. He wants to see real fairness and not just something that looks fair on the surface.
Question: How did people respond to Gianni Infantino’s comments on equal pay?
Answer: People had different opinions about what Gianni Infantino said. Some people didn’t like his words. One person even suggested sending him back to the past if he thinks that way. Another person questioned why girls should have to ask boys for equality. A famous soccer player, Ada Hegerberg, sarcastically mentioned making a presentation to convince boys. However, there were also those who agreed with Infantino and praised FIFA’s efforts to increase the number of girls’ teams in the World Cup.
Question: What is the significance of the pot difference between the girls’ and boys’ World Cup matches?
Answer: The difference in the amount of money for the girls’ final match and the boys’ match highlights the inequality in pay. The girls’ match has a pot of $110 million, while the boys’ match has a much larger pot of $440 million. Gianni Infantino emphasized that this gap needs to be addressed to achieve true equality. He wants the focus to be on genuine fairness rather than just a symbolic gesture.
Question: Do you agree with Gianni Infantino’s suggestion that women need to convince men about equal pay? Why or why not?
Answer: Personally, I don’t agree with Gianni Infantino’s suggestion. Equal pay should be a given, and women shouldn’t have to convince men about something that is inherently fair. Men and women should both understand the importance of equality without needing persuasion. Everyone should be treated equally regardless of their gender. Women should not be burdened with the responsibility of convincing men; instead, society as a whole should work towards creating a more equitable environment.
Fill in the Blanks:
guys, VIP, fights, excitement, perspective, sarcasm, tale, backdrop, swallow, curveball, chatter, boasting, questioned, narrative, glaring, showdown, goals, straightforward, badge, hefty, voiced, underneath, symbolism, battles, tension, reserved, optimism, honcho, scores, pathway, FIFA, nudge, critics, gents, inequality, spotlight
Title: ________ Chief’s Blunt Take on Women’s Soccer Pay Equality
Equal pay in women’s soccer has been a fiery issue for quite a while now, and the head ________ of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has stepped into the conversation with a ________ that’s raising eyebrows.
Speaking at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup final match between Spain and England, Infantino had some words to say – words that some fans are finding a bit hard to ________.
Infantino, with a ________ of the game in New Zealand, ________ that women “hold the cards to change,” but he threw in a ________ – saying they’ve got to “pick the right ________.” That’s not all, he added, “Pick the right ________.
You have the power to get us ________ to understand what we need to do and what we don’t need to do…
Just get it done.”
He threw in a dash of ________, saying, “With us men, with FIFA, you’ll find open doors.
Just give them a ________.
He labeled it as a “symbol,” one that might not truly “fix anything.”
Numbers don’t lie, and here’s one to chew on: the pot for the upcoming match is $110 million, a far cry from the ________ $440 million for the men’s World Cup back in 2022.
Can we time travel this guy back to the 18th century where he might actually fit in?”
Another tweet ________, “Why should women be the ones convincing men?
And about those ‘pushing doors’ – shouldn’t men be holding them wide open?”
Ada Hegerberg, a star player from Norway who’s taken home the Ballon d’Or for her exceptional play, didn’t hold back her ________, asking, “Preparing a little presentation to convince the ________.
Who’s on board?” Infantino also patted himself on the back, ________ about FIFA’s decision to up the game from 24 women’s teams in the 2019 World Cup to this year’s 32, as reported by ESPN.
Infantino clapped back at the ________, sharing, “The usual suspects were saying it wouldn’t work.
‘The skill levels are way apart.’ ‘We’ll see ________ like 15-0.’ ‘It’s bad news for women’s football.’ But, I’m sorry, FIFA got it right.
Just as it’s been happening quite a lot recently, FIFA nailed it once again.” Amidst all the ________ about women’s pay, The Guardian spilled the tea that Australian police gave FIFA’s request for a security escort for Infantino the cold shoulder.
This type of ________ treatment is usually ________ for top dogs and foreign big shots, but Down Under, they had a different take.
Infantino’s words might be getting mixed reviews, but it’s shining a ________ ________ on the broader issue.
Is equal pay just a shiny ________ without any real change ________?
And why isn’t the ________ to equality as ________ as it should be?
When the numbers tell a ________ of ________, can we just let ________ do the talking?
As the ________ builds for the World Cup final ________, there’s an underlying ________.
It’s not just about the ________ on the field; it’s about scoring a goal for equality, for women who have shown time and again that they’re just as much a force to be reckoned with.
Not just winning the cup, but reshaping the ________ for women in soccer, so they’re not just playing the game, but winning the fight for fairness, respect, and recognition.
Vocabulary:
Title: FIFA Chief’s Blunt Take on Women’s Soccer Pay Equality
Equal pay (noun): The concept of receiving the same amount of money for the same job or work, regardless of gender.
FIFA (abbreviation): Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for the sport of soccer (football).
Honcho (noun): A slang term for a leader or person in charge.
Perspective (noun): A way of looking at or thinking about something; point of view.
Raising eyebrows (idiom): To cause surprise, shock, or concern.
Backdrop (noun): The background or context in which something happens.
Voiced (verb): Expressed or communicated in words.
Curveball (noun): A surprising or unexpected event or piece of information.
Swallow (verb): To accept or believe something, even if it is difficult or unpleasant.
Hold the cards (idiom): To have control or power in a situation.
Battles (noun): Fights or struggles, often in a metaphorical sense.
Fights (noun): Conflicts or confrontations.
Guys (noun): Informal term for men or people in general.
Nudge (verb): To push or encourage gently.
Optimism (noun): A positive attitude or belief in the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Chew on (phrase): To think about or consider something.
Hefty (adjective): Large in amount, size, or weight.
Minced words (phrase): To speak directly and honestly without trying to be polite.
Time travel (noun): The concept of moving backward or forward in time.
Fit in (phrase): To belong or be compatible in a certain environment.
Questioned (verb): To express doubt or uncertainty about something.
Gents (noun): Informal term for men.
Sarcasm (noun): Using irony to mock or convey contempt.
On board (phrase): Willing to participate or be involved.
Boasting (verb): Showing off or bragging about something.
Critics (noun): People who express negative opinions or judgments.
Skill levels (noun): The degree of expertise or ability in a particular activity.
Way apart (phrase): A significant distance or difference.
Scores (noun): The number of goals or points in a game.
Nailed it (phrase): To succeed or accomplish something perfectly.
Chatter (noun): Informal conversation or discussion.
VIP (abbreviation): Very Important Person, someone of great importance or influence.
Cold shoulder (idiom): To deliberately ignore or treat someone with indifference.
Reserved (adjective): Kept for a particular purpose or person.
Foot the bill (idiom): To pay the cost or expenses for something.
Mixed reviews (phrase): A variety of opinions, both positive and negative.
Glaring (adjective): Very obvious or easy to see.
Spotlight (noun): Intense focus or attention.
Jump through hoops (idiom): To make a lot of effort to achieve something difficult or demanding.
Badge (noun): A symbol or sign that represents something.
Underneath (adverb): Below or hidden by something else.
Pathway (noun): A route or way to get from one place or situation to another.
Straightforward (adjective): Easy to understand or do; uncomplicated.
Bigger and bolder (phrase): Larger and more impressive.
Inequality (noun): The state of not being equal, especially in terms of opportunities, rights, or treatment.
Tale (noun): A story or account of events.
Symbolism (noun): The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Excitement (noun): A feeling of enthusiasm or eagerness.
Showdown (noun): A decisive confrontation or competition.
Tension (noun): Mental or emotional strain caused by conflicting feelings or situations.
Goals (noun): Points scored in a game.
Narrative (noun): The story or account of events.
Reshape (verb): To change the form or structure of something.
Recognition (noun): Acknowledgment or appreciation of someone’s efforts or achievements.
