Spain national women’s players in new impasse with federation as dispute intensifies
Spanish Women’s National Team Players Maintain Their Stance
Players representing the Spanish women’s national squad have once again affirmed their decision not to participate in two upcoming matches unless significant changes are implemented within the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). This development arises in the aftermath of former soccer chief Luis Rubiales’ unwelcome kiss to La Roja star Jennifer Hermoso.
Twenty players, who had previously signed a letter on Friday expressing their objections to playing for the national team until critical concerns were addressed, have now been included in the 23-woman squad list under the new head coach, Montse Tomé.
Tomé took over from former manager Jorge Vilda as part of the RFEF’s restructuring following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. She selected these players for matches against Sweden and Switzerland on September 22 and 26, despite their firm stance “not to be called up for justified reasons.”
In statements shared on social media, the players mentioned their intention to “consider the potential legal consequences RFEF has exposed us to by including us in a list we had requested not to be a part of, for reasons that were publicly and thoroughly explained to RFEF. We will make the best decision for our future and health.”
Despite their repeated refusal to play for Spain until substantial changes are made within the federation, some players have reported for camp, including Athenea del Castillo, Misa Rodríguez, Olga Carmona, and Teresa Abelleira, the latter three being signatories of the statement released on Friday.
When asked by reporters in Madrid about their agreement with Tomé’s squad list, goalkeeper Rodríguez responded, “No.”
