The Spanish football federation (RFEF) managed to persuade 21 players to end their boycott of the women’s national team, vowing to make immediate changes within the federation.
In the wake of Spain’s World Cup win last month, the entire squad and others announced their refusal to be called up following now former president Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. Rubiales has since resigned, although continues to claim he has been persecuted, while head coach Jorge Vilda, who had been under public pressure since 15 players refused to be call up last September, has also been sacked.
But those departures alone were not enough to convince the players, who demanded more change.
“The changes specified to the RFEF are based on zero tolerance for those people at the RFEF that have had, incited, hidden or applauded attitudes that go against the dignity of women. We believe firmly that decisive changes are needed in the leadership positions at the RFEF and to the women’s football department,” read part of a collective statement last week.
New head coach Montse Tome named her first squad on Monday, ignoring the refusals to be called up. Hermoso was curiously left out, with the boss claiming it was to protect the player.
Players were forced to answer the call to return to camp, facing legal implications if they refused. Thankfully, at least, RFEF have retracted that stance, permitting players to leave without the threat of legal action following a meeting that lasted through Tuesday night until 6.30am on Wednesday.
Players seemingly found out they had been called up via the social media stream of the press conference held to announce the 23-player squad. Within hours, players said they would explore all options to not return to the fold, citing FIFA regulations for the transfer of players that the members were not given sufficient notice of their call to the national team.
— María León (@MapiLeon16) September 18, 2023
Under Spanish sports law, it is deemed a punishable offence to unjustifiably not respond to a national team call-up (section 104). Under section 108, consequences for this range from a possible €3,000-30,000 fine to the loss of a player’s professional licenses, meaning all 23 reported for duty.
During the meeting, players continued to express their desire for change, which RFEF has claimed would occur immediately. However, Barcelona pair Patri Guijarro and Mapi Leon, who had opted to miss the World Cup in their longstanding protest, still chose to leave the camp. All 21 others stayed.
Speaking on their exit, Patri said, “We are not mentally fit to be here.”
Leon also added, “This is a process; we are happy because changes are taking place; we have reached another port.”
Spain’s Nations League campaign is seemingly continuing as planned, with the world champions facing Sweden in their first game on Friday. Another trophy and Olympics qualification is on the line as the competition unfolds over the next few months.
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