There are many reasons why football is called “the beautiful game.” The most-watched sport in the world undeniably produces the most unforgettable sporting moments. More importantly, it transcends not only state borders, but also cultures, races and social classes.

However, if there is one boundary that football (or any other sport for that matter) cannot transcend, it’s the gender divide. This year, the 2015 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup will be held in Canada, and an issue that sent tongues wagging was the type of pitch to be used for the tournament. Around October 2014, a group of female football players filed a lawsuit at the Human Rights Tribunal in Ontario against the FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association over claims that the usage of artificial pitches is a violation of Section 1 of Canada’s Human Rights Code. Atty. Hampton Dellinger, a lawyer for the group, said that plastic pitches “alter how the game is played, pose unique safety risks and are considered inferior for international competition.” It is also significant to note that the men’s tournament, the FIFA World Cup held last year in Brazil, was played on natural grass. Unfortunately, this complaint was rescinded last January 21, 2015.

While people can argue about the true playability of these pitches, the main issue here is why was it decided that the women’s tournament will be played on artificial grass when the men were able to play on grass from the get-go. Why subject female players to these types of risks in the first place when the opposite is done for men? Why should women, who follow the laws of the game, train religiously and wear their jerseys with pride, have to beg for better facilities, when the football governing body has the capacity to give them these and they have the right to have them?

This sexism has existed long before this incident. In page three of the FIFA Handbook on the laws of the game, there is a clause stipulating that when agreed by parties concerned, the rules of the sport shall be modified for youth, veteran, disabled and female players. Women, even if they are physically capable, are placed in another category—separate from those who can practice the “actual” laws of the game. Even FIFA President Joseph Blatter issued a comment a few years back, saying that for women’s football to gain interest from the public, players should wear tighter uniforms.

Locally, while the magnitude of inequality is not as dreadful compared to that abroad, it can be noticed that most of the women’s tournaments in the collegiate and professional levels are not being broadcast on local television. Sports that feature men’s teams are given higher priority, compared with omen’s teams. While it is understandable that the talks on granting television stations broadcast rights and limited timeslots on air have hindered this from happening, it is about time that there be an increased priority for the broadcast of women’s events. There is immense talent that is always showcased, but there is no avenue for them to be fully seen.

To say that it is disheartening that such sexism and inequality exists in the world of sport is an understatement. It’s such a simple concept to understand—just because men and women have different bodies and limits does not mean that they should also be given different rights and opportunities. Sports should always be about equality and fairness, but before the games even begin, there are people already being given a head start. It’s about time sexism and inequality in sport is shown the red card.