USA SOCCER : ''WOMEN PLAYERS SUE''

LOS ANGELES : Women players sue USA Soccer for gender discrimination.

All members of the reigning World Cup champion USA, women's soccer team sued the National Soccer Federation on Friday, claiming the organisation pays them less than the male players and denies them equal training, travel and playing conditions.

The law suit, which was filed in federal court in Los Angeles on International Women's Day, came three years after several players filed a similar complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .

''In light of our team's unparalleled success on the field, it's a shame that we're still fighting for treatment that reflects our achievements and contribution to the sport,'' said USA co-captain Carli Lloyd.

The players, a group that also includes the like of  Megan Ripinoe, and Alex Morgan, say they've been consistently paid less money than their male counterparts even though their performance has been superior to the men's team.

USA soccer did not immediately respond when asked to comment on the lawsuit, which comes three months before the women's team opens its World Cup title defence in France.

The issues brought up in the ;lawsuit also include the  medical treatment and coaching they receive as well how often they play the way in which travelled to matches.

The U.S. women's team has enjoyed  unparalleled success in international soccer, including three World Cup Titles,  four Olympic Gold Medals and numerous other international competitions. [Agencies]