Joe Biden pledges support for USWNT after setback in equal pay dispute

Joe Biden, the presumptive presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, is urging the United States women's national team not to relent during its fight for equal pay after a federal judge dismissed its case on Friday.

Biden also vowed that, if he succeeds Donald Trump as president, he'll stop World Cup funding for U.S. Soccer unless the federation installs financial parity across the international game.

The USWNT's case was shut down in court, handing victory to U.S. Soccer. U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner ruled that the women's refusal to be paid under the same terms as the men was the main reason why the 28 players - led by Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Carli Lloyd - were claiming they're paid less than their male counterparts.

U.S. Soccer still faces possible discrimination charges for allegedly providing inferior medical care, travel, and training compared to what the men's team receives. That trial will be heard on June 16.

After hearing Friday's ruling, USWNT spokesperson Molly Levinson released a statement saying the decision will be appealed.

"We are confident in our case and steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that girls and women who play this sport will not be valued as lesser just because of their gender," she said.