Judge rejects U.S. women's soccer strike threat

A federal judge ruled the U.S. women's soccer team does not have the right to strike, according to an Associated Press report on Friday.

The team had been threatening to strike, seeking improved conditions and equal pay to the men's team ahead of the Summer Olympics.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled Friday that the team remains bound by a no-strike provision from its 2005-12 collective bargaining agreement, which expires at the end of the year.

U.S. Soccer issued a statement saying officials were "pleased with the court's decision and remain committed to negotiating a new CBA to take effect at the beginning of next year."

The sides are negotiating a labor contract, and if a new agreement is not reached by Dec. 31, the players can indeed strike.

The U.S. women's soccer team is seeking its fourth straight Olympic gold medal in Brazil.