Shocking Twist: Spain's World Cup Heroines Upended as Jenni Hermoso Misses Out in the First Women's Squad
Jenni Hermoso, a key player from Spain's Women's World Cup-winning squad, has been excluded from the national team for upcoming matches against Sweden and Switzerland This decision comes after Hermoso was involved in a controversial incident where she was kissed by the former RFEF president
Jenni Hermoso has been excluded from Spain Women's initial squad since the controversy surrounding the World Cup final kiss incident, which ultimately resulted in Luis Rubiales stepping down from his position. During the post-match celebrations following their 1-0 victory against England on August 26, Hermoso received an unplanned kiss on the lips from the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF). In solidarity with her fellow teammates who had won the World Cup, she participated in a strike as a form of protest.
Rubiales, who had already been suspended by FIFA, ultimately stepped down from his position on September 10. This came shortly after the dismissal of Spain's controversial head coach, Jorge Vilda, by interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha.
On the previous Friday, 21 out of the 23 players participating in the tournament, Hermoso included, declared that they would continue the strike until they saw sufficient progress in the RFEF's structural reform.
"We find the changes insufficient for ensuring the players' sense of safety, promoting respect towards women, providing support for women's football, and allowing us to fully utilize our capabilities," they expressed. Nevertheless, under the guidance of the new head coach Montserrat Tome, 15 members of the victorious World Cup team have been summoned. Unfortunately, Hermoso is among the eight players unable to participate in the Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland.
Also missing are captain Ivana Andres, Irene Guerrero, Mariona Caldentey, Laia Codina, Alba Redondo, Rocio Galvez and Claudia Zornoza.
