Breaking News: Spanish Women's Players Reach Historic Agreement with Federation and Government, Ending National Team Boycott
The boycott by Spanish women's soccer team is resolved as agreements are reached with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the government's High Council of Sport (CSD)
The Spanish women's soccer team and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) seem to have made progress in resolving their dispute after reaching agreements. The High Council of Sport (CSD) was also involved in these negotiations. In a recent development, 20 players, who were named in the national team squad, expressed their refusal to participate in two upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League matches, including the match against Sweden on Friday.
However, out of the 23 players chosen for the forthcoming matches, a statement from CSD President Víctor Francos reveals that 21 of them have now confirmed their participation and will be making the journey to Sweden.
The referees converse on the field at Johan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona, Spain after the first day of Liga F 23-24 was halted due to a strike by women players demanding better wages on September 10, 2023. (Photo by Ruben Lucia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Spanish womens league players call off strike after reaching minimum pay agreement
Francos added that two players "are not in good spirits" and have asked to leave the squad.
The president of the CSD assured reporters early Wednesday morning that a comprehensive agreement had been reached among all parties involved. He also pledged swift action in addressing key issues in Spanish soccer, particularly those concerning gender equality, equal pay, and improved infrastructure for women's football. Notably, he emphasized that the players who initially declined to participate in the upcoming matches will not be penalized.
"The parties have now reached a juncture where the potential disaster has been averted, and the anticipated negative developments seem unlikely," stated Francos. Additionally, a Mixed Commission comprising representatives from the players, RFEF, and CSD will be established to facilitate future implementations of changes.
"In the committee, we have reached a consensus on a comprehensive set of powers that address all of the issues that [the players] have been advocating for extensively. This includes reforms in the women's football governing body, the development of a strategic plan for women's football, and numerous other changes that have been under discussion in recent days," said Amanda Gutiérrez, president of the players union FUTPRO, during a press conference on Wednesday.
Former president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, was seen leaving the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid on September 15, 2023. Just five days after stepping down from his position as Spain's football chief, Rubiales was required to appear in court today to face sexual assault charges. The charges stem from an alleged incident involving an unwanted kiss on women's World Cup player Jenni Hermoso. The 46-year-old Rubiales was summoned to Madrid's Audiencia Nacional court at midday (1000 GMT), where he appeared before Judge Francisco de Jorge, who is leading the investigation. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)
Jennifer Hermosos lawyer maintains that the kiss from Luis Rubiales was non-consensual, resulting in the former soccer boss being issued a restraining order. Meanwhile, Montse Tomé, who succeeded Jorge Vilda as the head coach of the women's national team amid the Rubiales scandal, is expected to continue in her role after privately meeting with the players. This update was confirmed by Rafael del Amo, the head of women's football at RFEF.
When reporters asked about Tomé's apparent misleading statements at her Monday press conference regarding Hermoso's absence from the squad, and Hermoso's subsequent question of "Protect me from what?", del Amo responded by saying, "At this moment, our priority is to shield her from any potential pressure. We have complete trust in her as a player and expect that to be respected." Despite the players expressing their justified reasons for not wanting to be called up, Tomé still chose them for the upcoming games against Sweden and Switzerland.
How we got here
Wednesdays announcement is the latest development in a long-running saga between the Spanish womens team players, who won a first Womens World Cup title last month, and RFEF.
Tensions escalated between the two parties when Luis Rubiales, the former president of RFEF, unexpectedly kissed Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso during the medal ceremony at the World Cup final in Sydney. Following his resignation, the Spanish National Court is currently conducting an investigation into potential charges of sexual assault and coercion against Rubiales.
The players' discontent with the federation goes back more than a year when 15 members of the senior women's squad individually wrote and signed letters to the RFEF, expressing their refusal to continue playing for the national team unless significant changes were made to the coaching staff.
Out of the 15 players who signed the letters, only three were included in Spain's World Cup squad: Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmatí, and Ona Batlle. These three players have also been selected for Tomé's squad, which was announced on Monday.
Despite facing off-field challenges, a youthful Spanish team showcased an exceptional performance in the Women's World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. They outplayed England in the final to secure their maiden championship title. Unfortunately, Rubiales' behavior during the medal ceremony and the subsequent consequences marred this achievement. Consequently, he resigned as the RFEF president on September 11.
However, with the departures of Vilda and Rubiales from their positions, the RFEF is aiming to initiate a fresh era in women's soccer.
Prior to announcing the squad list, the RFEF issued a statement emphasizing its dedication to implementing organizational changes.
"It is imperative to fully acknowledge these changes by thoroughly analyzing all the actions and conduct that may have taken place. We must then proceed with utmost professionalism and fairness, assigning the appropriate responsibilities in each individual case," stated the content.
"It is clear that the Federation, society, and the players themselves are all united in pursuing this very same goal: the rejuvenation and the dawn of a new era where football emerges as the ultimate victor in this entire process."
