Under the deal, the men will make a financial contribution to the salaries of their female counterparts, according to Reuters.

Women's pay will almost double, from NOK3.1 million (£296,000/$388,000/€330,000) to NOK6 million (£574,000/$750,000/€639,000), with a contribution of NOK550,000 (£53,000/$69,000/€59,000) from the male players which is currently received for commercial activities connected with the national team.

"Norway is a country where equal standing is very important for us, so I think it is good for the country and for the sport," said Joachim Walltin, the players' union head.

National team winger Caroline Graham Hansen took to Instagram to thank the male players.

"Thank you for making this step for female athletes," she said on the social media site.

"For showing equality and helping us all, making it a bit easier, to chase our dreams."

Walltin said that improved financial conditions were only one aspect of the deal which appealed to the female players. 

"The feeling of being really respected is very important for them," he added.

"The federation can see it as an investment to increase the level of the women's team."

Norway's decision takes place at a time when there have been disputes about pay and conditions for female footballers in a number of countries, such as Ireland, where female players threatened to go on strike earlier in the year after saying they had to change in airport toilets.

Australia and the United States have also been at the centre of public disputes. 

The Norwegian women's team won the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1995 and were also champions at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.