The SFA have issued a robust response to news their women's national team is taking legal action over claims of inequality.

It was announced earlier today the SWNT has launched an equal pay and treatment court challenge.

In a lengthy missive, Scottish football's governing body acknowledge their "fundamental view that equality should be at the heart of the development of the game at all levels".

They state that no players of either sex receive payment for representing their country because turning out for the national team is regarded as a "privilege" and it's not in the "spirit" of elite, international participation to be compensated for appearances. They also point out the players currently receive exactly the same small daily allowance.

READ MORE: Why FIFA Club World Cup appears impossible dream for Celtic & Rangers

The SFA state: "In the interests of accuracy, it is important to clarify some facts arising from the latest statement issued by the SWNT.

"First, no national team player, whether men’s or women’s, is paid to play for their country or receive “appearance fees”.

"International representation is and should always be regarded as a privilege and not a job, a view that we believed to be shared by all.

"We do not consider such fees to be in the spirit of playing for your country.

"Our Men’s and Women’s squads receive a per diem rate for their time with the national team, which has been exactly the same since 2017.

"While other associations such as those named in the SWNT statement may choose to pay appearance fees, our men’s and women’s national team players are incentivised to qualify for major tournaments, from which the teams are paid the same percentage of prize money from the tournament organiser.

"The squads are further remunerated in lieu of contractual media and/or promotional appearances for our national teams’ sponsors

"Again, the Scottish FA has ensured that men’s and women’s players are paid the same amount for appearances involving designated official national teams’ sponsors."

READ MORE: Scotland women's national team launch landmark equal pay legal bid

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie will be the lead claimant in the upcoming employment tribunal case and is seeking a new contract with the SFA.

The SWNT are adamant this should mean the same level of training facilities, hotel provision, travel, nutritional needs and medical resources.

They also highlighted the recent situation with the US women's national team where they were awarded a $24million payout after a similar legal challenge.