The US women's national soccer team (USWNT) have received a donation worth US$718,750 to compensate for the pay-gap between the country's male and female professional players, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The donation was made by Luna Bar, a US nutritional foods manufacturer specifically targeted at women, on the back of its partnership with the United States Women's National Team Players Association (USWNTPA).

The move is seen as an act of support of a gender discrimination lawsuit the USWNT players collectively filed against the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) seeking equal pay and working conditions.

As part of the arrangement, each of the squad's 23 players selected for the USWNT's defence of the Fifa Women's World Cup this summer will receive US$31,250 – the exact difference in pay female players apparently earn below their male equivalents.

"It's ironic that one of the most popular sports in the world is still experiencing pay inequalities between women and men," said Kit Crawford, co-chief executive of Luna Bar's parent company, Clif Bar.

"We are big fans of the US women's national team and were inspired to take action and make a difference that matters. Luna Bar is honoured to give these women, and women everywhere, our support. It's what is right, but more importantly, it's what they deserve."

Speaking to Reuters news agency, the team said that their complaint is not only about money but to also ensure equality for future generations of female players.

"When Luna Bar approached us in January to support and recognise the USWNT players in this way, I was speechless," said Becca Roux the USWNTPA's executive director.

"Many brands raising awareness for equal pay use the USWNT's fight as an example, but don't go the extra step to offer a solution to the problem.

"Luna Bar has a long history of supporting women's equality and is truly walking the walk by maximising the amount of money going directly to the players and intentionally closing one of their pay gaps."