Spain Women’s Football Team Ends Boycott After Seven-Hour Meeting Ahead of Nations League
The Spain Women’s World Cup-winning squad has decided to conclude their boycott after a lengthy seven-hour discussion involving players, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the National Sports Council, and the women’s players’ union.
The Spanish Women’s World Cup-winning football team has resolved to terminate their boycott following an extensive seven-hour deliberation that included players, officials from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), representatives from the National Sports Council, and members of the women’s players’ union (FUTPRO).
The boycott came to an end around 5:00 local time on Wednesday following a meeting that involved players, RFEF officials, representatives from the National Sports Council and FUTPRO.
“The players have voiced their concerns about the imperative need for substantial changes within the RFEF, which has pledged to implement these changes promptly,” stated Victor Francos, the Spanish Secretary of State for Sports, as quoted by Eurosport.
He further added, “A joint commission will be established between the RFEF, CSD, and players to oversee the implementation of the agreements, which will be formally signed tomorrow.”
The boycott had commenced after RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final the previous month.
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Hermoso, asserting that the kiss was not consensual, filed a complaint, which ultimately led to the resignation of Luis Rubiales as RFEF president and the dismissal of Spain’s manager, Jorge Vilda.
On the preceding Tuesday, all twenty players who had declared their boycott reported for training under the guidance of their new coach, Montse Tome. However, two players later left the squad, citing “personal reasons.”
It was agreed that neither of these departing players would face sanctions, and their identities would remain confidential.
“The first message conveyed to them has been: whoever feels uncomfortable or lacks the strength should understand that neither the federation nor the CSD intends to initiate a disciplinary process,” Francos affirmed.
Spain is slated to make their debut in the Women’s Nations League against Sweden in Gothenburg on Friday, followed by a match against Switzerland in Cordoba on September 26.
The Nations League holds the key to determining which European teams will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
