Game-Changing Move: Spanish Football Federation Bids Farewell to Secretary General Andreu Camps as Women's Squad Triumphantly Ends Boycott

The Spanish football federation has ousted secretary general Andreu Camps and committed to establishing a 'secure environment' following the conclusion of the women's team boycott.

After the Spanish FA pledged to implement "swift and significant reforms" within its framework, the World Cup champion Spanish team agreed to terminate their boycott. However, two players, Patri Guijarro and Mapi Len, chose to depart from the training camp.

The government stepped in and assured the players that they would not face consequences for declining the national team call-ups. Despite being selected by Montse Tome, the new head coach, the remaining players reluctantly remained in camp on Monday. These players had made it clear that they would not represent Spain until there were additional reforms within the federation. This issue arose after the former head of the Spanish federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain's Women's World Cup victory in Australia last month.

The meetings concluded on Wednesday, close to 5am. The RFEF seemed to clarify the need for "significant changes" and announced the removal of its general secretary Camps.

In an extensive statement, it was expressed: "The RFEF acknowledges the imperative need to begin a fresh chapter and resolve the institutional turmoil triggered by the national team's triumph in the World Cup."

The Federation is determined to demonstrate its solidarity with all international individuals experiencing these undesirable circumstances. Furthermore, it sincerely apologizes to each and every one of them, including Jenni Hermoso, who unexpectedly found herself entangled in a situation she had no role in creating. Rest assured, our unwavering support will always be extended to them.

In light of recent developments, it is crucial to emphasize that the RFEF has never intended to add to the already existing noise and pressure surrounding the players.

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Luis Rubiales resigned from his position as the head of the Spanish FA this month, long after it was expected. According to the statement, the organization plans to implement structural changes in order to initiate a new phase that emphasizes good governance, transparency, and equality.

Amanda Gutierrez, president of the FUTRPO players' union, mentioned progress has been made in ensuring equal treatment for both the women's and men's national teams of Spain.

Victor Francos, the Secretary for Sports in Spain and the President of the Higher Council for Sports, stated that productive discussions resulted in the establishment of a committee comprising players, the federation, and the government. Francos further emphasized that these agreements should encourage progress in gender policies, equal pay, and bring about significant transformations in women's football.

The players demanded the removal of Pedro Rocha, the interim president who replaced Rubiales after his resignation.

Len and Guijarro, who were part of a player revolt by 15 team members last year, refusing to play for the national team until the federation established a more "professional" working environment, have not played for Spain since. This revolt proved to be a prequel to the current uprising.

Officials confirmed that the players did not specifically demand Tome's resignation. Serving as an assistant to the disliked former head coach Jorge Vilda, Tome initially resigned amidst the Rubiales controversy but later agreed to take over as his replacement. Out of the 39 players who voiced their refusal to participate in national team games until their requests were fulfilled, Tome was responsible for selecting almost half of them, with 15 of them being World Cup champions.

Hermoso was not among them, with Tome saying the decision was made as "a way to protect her".

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Jenni Hermoso has not been picked for the first Spain squad since winning the World Cup

Hermoso, who claimed she did not give consent to Rubiales' kiss, accused the federation of attempting to intimidate her teammates into national team selection without their agreement.

The players expressed their astonishment at the squad announcement but attended the training camp to avoid violating a Spanish sports law which mandates athletes to answer the call of national teams, unless there are exceptional circumstances preventing their participation.

Failure to respond to a national team call-up can potentially result in penalties or even a ban on participating in club matches. Following the meetings, the government announced that there would be no repercussions for players who opted to withdraw prior to Spain's upcoming Nations League matches against Sweden on Friday and Switzerland on Tuesday.

The players and officials held an overnight meeting while Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, met with Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, in New York to promote Spain's joint bid with Portugal and Morocco for hosting the men's World Cup in 2030. Concerns were raised by Sanchez's government that the Rubiales scandal could potentially harm the bid.

Ciganda: Most important thing to celebrate

"It was truly unfortunate the way things unfolded in the end. When Spain emerged victorious in the World Cup, I believe it was a moment worth celebrating as such opportunities are rare occurrences."

"I believe that Rubiales' behavior was clearly inappropriate, and he should not have acted that way, especially during a public event where you are in the presence of everyone."

"Naturally, I stand by the players and when there is overwhelming agreement from so many people, it is clear that certain events have occurred which may be unknown to us."

"But I think the important thing is to celebrate the World Cup, which is what everyone should be very proud of, the country we have and the great athletes there are."