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Norway to give male and female internationals equal pay

Male and female footballers for Norway's national team are set to receive the same amount of pay, players' union boss Joachim Walltin has said.

The move will see the financial remuneration that female internationals are paid almost double, in what Walltin has said might be the first deal of its kind to take place within the sport.

"Norway is a country where equal standing is very important for us, so I think it is good for the country and for the sport," Walltin said.

"In Denmark they are still negotiating and in the U.S. things have improved, but we might be the only country where they are treated equally.

"For the girls, it will certainly make a difference. Some of them are actually working and studying, as well as playing football, and it's hard to improve then.

"The feeling of being really respected is very important for them. The federation can see it as an investment to increase the level of the women's team."

Female internationals reportedly earn £296,000 at the moment but that figure will increase to £574,000, including a substantial contribution from their male counterparts in order to ensure parity.

Caroline Graham Hansen, a current international, praised the generosity of the male side in an Instagram post that read: "This was maybe a small thing for you to do for us. This will maybe not show in your monthly wages. This was maybe an obvious move for you to do! This though means everything for us! For our team! For our sport!

"But not at least for all the female athletes out there, who does the same work, same sport as men's do, but get paid less! For you to say that equal pay is how it should be, makes me wanna cry! Makes me Wanne hug you all! Thank you for making this step for female athletes. For showing equality and for helping us all, making it a bit easier, to chase our dreams. To make them come true!"