Groundbreaking Progress: Spain Women Players Call Off Boycott as Spanish FA Pledge Radical Transformations

The women's national team of Spain, who won the World Cup, have decided to end their boycott following the Spanish FA's promise to implement "immediate and significant" reforms to its organization. This resolution came after a lengthy meeting at a hotel in Oliva, one hour away from Valencia, involving the players, officials from the Spanish FA (RFEF), the National Sports Council (CSD), and the women's players' union FUTPRO.

The players had stated their refusal to represent Spain until additional changes occurred within the federation, exacerbating a crisis that originated when the former president of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales, kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup presentation ceremony. "A collaborative commission will be established among RFEF, CSD, and players to monitor the agreements, which will be signed on Thursday," said Victor Francos, the president of CSD.

The players have voiced their concerns regarding the necessity of significant alterations within the RFEF, which has pledged to implement these changes promptly. Neither Francos nor Rafael del Amo, president of the RFEF committee for women's football, provided further details on the upcoming changes, simply stating that they would be disclosed "soon".

"The players perceive it as a convergence of viewpoints, indicating the commencement of a lengthy journey ahead," stated Amanda Gutierrez, the president of FUTPRO.

"Yet again, they have demonstrated their consistency, with the overwhelming majority opting to remain for the betterment of this accord."

Following the selection of the majority of the winners of the Women's World Cup for upcoming matches, the players issued a joint statement expressing their intention to make the "optimal decision" regarding their future and well-being. They explained that they would first assess the legal consequences of being included in a squad list from which they had requested exclusion. Their argument centered around the federation's inability to insist on their participation, as they contended that the call-up did not adhere to FIFA's stipulated timing and procedural requirements.

The players risked facing penalties, such as fines up to 30,000 euros (£25,950) and the suspension of their federation license for a period of two to 15 years, as stated by Spain's Sports Act if they had declined the invitation. Out of the twenty players who claimed to be boycotting the team, they were all summoned by the new coach, Montse Tome. Although all of them attended the training session on Tuesday, two players opted to withdraw from the squad citing "personal reasons."

Neither of the players would be sanctioned and it was agreed their identities would remain anonymous.

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Luis Rubiales faced widespread criticism for kissing Jenni Hermoso after Spain's Women's World Cup win over England

Francos stated that those who feel uncomfortable or are not confident should be aware that neither the federation nor the CSD would initiate any punitive action. The players' protest arose when the ex-RFEF chief, Rubiales, kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain's World Cup triumph.

Hermoso's denial of the consensual nature of the kiss triggered a nationwide discussion on the prevalence of macho culture in sports, ultimately resulting in Rubiales stepping down from his position. She was omitted from the squad list that was announced on Monday and accused the RFEF of attempting to create divisions and manipulate the players.

Spain is preparing to make their first appearance in the Women's Nations League, starting with a match against Sweden in Gothenburg on Friday. They will then face Switzerland in Cordoba on September 26. The outcome of the Nations League will determine the European teams that qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The Spanish FA said the players would have a late breakfast after resting and will hold their first practice on Wednesday afternoon before travelling to Gothenburg on Thursday morning