A prolonged dispute between the Spanish women’s national soccer team and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has finally found a resolution. This development comes after negotiations involving both parties and the government’s High Council of Sport (CSD), marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing conflict.
Recall that earlier, 20 players from the national team squad had publicly declared their refusal to participate in two upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League matches, including one against Sweden scheduled for Friday. However, the latest update reveals that 21 out of the 23 selected players have now agreed to participate and will travel to Sweden. Barcelona Femení players Mapi León and Patricia Guijarro are the exceptions, as they have requested to leave the squad, citing unique circumstances.
CSD President Víctor Francos announced the positive outcome, describing it as a “very solid agreement” among all parties involved. He highlighted that immediate changes would be implemented in Spanish soccer, focusing on gender equality, equal pay, improved infrastructure for women’s football, and other aspects related to women’s soccer.
Importantly, no sanctions will be imposed on the players who initially refused to play in the two upcoming fixtures. A Mixed Commission, featuring representatives from the players, RFEF, and CSD, will also be established to drive further changes in the future, including addressing the players’ demands related to women’s football organization and strategic planning.
Montse Tomé, who took over as head coach of the women’s national team amid the Rubiales controversy, is set to retain her position following private meetings with the players. Despite earlier misleading statements from Tomé regarding player absences, RFEF officials emphasized their trust in the players and their decisions.
Leaving the squad alongside Guijarro, Mapi León acknowledged the differences in their situation but expressed optimism about ongoing changes in women’s football. Guijarro added that while these changes had not yet materialized, they were actively being worked on.
Both León and Guijarro are part of the group of players known as “Las 15” who have been in conflict with RFEF since last year, with most of them excluded from the World Cup squad in July and August.
Additionally, Alexia Putellas, another Barcelona teammate, expressed her discomfort with the situation despite remaining in camp, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions.
In a related development, RFEF announced a change in branding for both the men’s and women’s national teams, referring to both simply as the “Spanish National Football Team.” This move aims to promote equality between the two squads.
Furthermore, Andreu Camps has been removed from his position as secretary general of RFEF, with Elvira Andrés and Alfredo Olivares stepping in temporarily until a new secretary general is elected.
This resolution marks a significant turning point in the long-standing dispute between the Spanish women’s national team and RFEF, providing hope for a new era of women’s soccer in Spain.
The conflict began over a year ago when “Las 15” players demanded extensive changes in the coaching staff, and it escalated following a controversial incident involving former RFEF president Luis Rubiales. Despite the off-field challenges, the Spanish women’s team achieved a historic victory by winning the Women’s World Cup. With the departure of key figures, RFEF is now aiming to revamp women’s soccer in the country.
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