Why is Rodman signing and highest female soccer salary controversial?

"Forward Trinity Rodman's new three-year deal to remain with the Washington Spirit has brought to an end months of speculation about the Olympic gold medallist's future in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). It has also shattered the wage record for a female footballer. The Spirit announced the signing in a statement on Thursday evening, calling it one of the most significant contracts in the NWSL and the women's game worldwide, reflecting both Rodman's elite status and the Spirit's role as a global standard-bearer"

"The furore over Rodman's future with the Spirit spurred criticism of the NWSL salary cap and whether it hampered the league from attracting and maintaining top players. Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at the deal that split the sport in the United States, but has now set a new bar for women's football across the world. The 23-year-old Rodman became a free agent at the end of last season after five years with the Spirit."

"One of the biggest stars in the NWSL, keeping her in the league was considered vitally important as other US national team stars, including Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson, opted to play in Europe. As the failure to agree to a new deal dragged on last year, with her previous contract ending on December 31, Rodman, too, drew interest from European teams that don't have a salary cap."

Trinity Rodman signed a new three-year contract to remain with the Washington Spirit, ending months of uncertainty and breaking the wage record for a female footballer. The Spirit described the deal as among the most significant in the NWSL and the global women's game, citing Rodman's elite status and the club's global standing. The signing provoked criticism of the NWSL salary cap and questions about its effect on attracting and keeping top talent. Rodman became a free agent after five years with the Spirit and attracted interest from European clubs, especially in England. The contract is understood to exceed $2m annually including bonuses.

Read at www.aljazeera.com