A federal judge dismissed the United States women’s soccer team’s bid for equal pay, rejecting claims that the players had been underpaid, in a crushing defeat for the reigning world champions.

In a 32-page ruling, Judge Gary Klausner of the US District Court for Central California tossed the women’s claim of pay discrimination, ruling in favour of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

Klausner did allow the women’s case for unfair treatment in areas such as travel, housing and medical support to proceed to trial, set for June 16 in Los Angeles. But the judge said the equal pay claims — the central plank of the case — had been dismissed because there was evidence the women had previously turned down an offer in the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations to be paid along the lines of the US men’s team.

The women were left stunned by their defeat. They had been seeking back pay of $66 million under the Equal Pay Act. Prominent women’s team star Megan Rapinoe said after learning of the court’s decision that the battle is not over. “We will never stop fighting for EQUALITY,” she tweeted.

A spokeswoman for the players reacted with dismay following Friday’s ruling. “We will not give up our hard work for equal pay,” spokeswoman Molly Levinson said.