FIFA could face legal action from women's national team players because of prize-money disparities between the men's and women's World Cups unless an agreement is reached ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, The Athletic reported Thursday.

Representatives from 45 nations, alongside the FIFPRO global players union, sent a letter to FIFA in September demanding proportionately equal prize money for the men's and women's world cups.

The letter included players from world champions Spain, European champions England and the US, according to the report.

The players also demanded a guarantee that at least 30% of the women's prize fund goes to players, minimum standards for national teams and a binding collective agreement with FIFA.

Representatives from one national players' union said they were prepared to take FIFA to court unless negotiations produced a clear commitment to gender equality, according to The Athletic. Several unions are discussing potential legal action.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed an ambition in 2023 to achieve equal World Cup prize money by 2027, but no binding agreement has been reached.

The 2023 Women's World Cup awarded $110 million in prize money, compared with $655 million in performance-based payments at the 2026 men's tournament.

FIFA is reportedly considering doubling the prize fund to at least $220 million for the 2027 Women's World Cup, although the proposed amount has not yet received formal approval.

In a statement to The Athletic, FIFA and FIFPRO said discussions remained constructive and highlighted improvements in player compensation and conditions.

"Our ambition includes equalizing prize money but also goes far beyond it. Both organizations are positive about progress made in discussions so far," it said.