Spanish Soccer Stars Take a Stand Against Systemic Discrimination as They Return to the Pitch After Women's World Cup Triumph

Ahead of the Spanish national soccer team's first match since their victory in the Women's World Cup last month and the controversy surrounding Luis Rubiales' unwelcome kiss on La Roja player Jennifer Hermoso, star players Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes spoke out about the issue of "systemic discrimination" within their country's federation.

"We have been persistently demanding to be heard because we have observed, or have long been aware, that the women's team has faced ongoing discrimination for many decades," stated two-time Ballon d'Or Féminin winner, Putellas, during a press conference on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.

Earlier this week, a dispute between the Spanish women's soccer team and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) seemed to have made progress when they, along with the High Council of Sport (CSD), reached several agreements. Despite initially declining to play for the national team, 21 out of the 23 players chosen for the upcoming matches eventually agreed to participate and traveled to Sweden.

"We have stayed because we think its what we have to do so that the agreements go forward and for this to go forward," Paredes said.

Paredes celebrates with her Women's World Cup winners' medal after Spain's victory against England.

Marc Atkins/Getty Images,

Earlier this month, the former Spain coach, Jorge Vilda, was dismissed from his position. He was subsequently replaced by his deputy, Montse Tomé, who became the first female coach to hold this position. Putellas mentioned that the players did not request the dismissal of any coach.

All we have done as captains is communicate worries or ideas when the team has not been entirely at ease," she added. Tomé stated on Thursday that she doesn't perceive any disloyalty from the players.

"I have only recently assumed this position," Tomé informed reporters confidently. "I am certain about my capabilities and fully committed to resolving any issues that may arise. Our focus is on collaborating effectively and delivering results. That's who we are."

On Friday, Spain will be playing against Sweden in the UEFA Women's Nations League, held in Gothenburg.

Defender Paredes added that our utmost desire is to engage in soccer under dignified conditions, where we receive the respect we deserve. Unfortunately, up until now, this has not been fully achievable, and after the recent events in the final, it has become completely unattainable. Hence, we are working tirelessly to advocate for necessary changes.

The developments within RFEF revealed this week encompass progress made in terms of gender pay and equal pay. A Mixed Commission, consisting of representatives from the players, RFEF, and the government's High Council of Sport (CSD), has been established. Additionally, there has been a rebranding effort in reference to the women's and men's national teams, with both collectively referred to as the "Spanish National Football Team."

Furthermore, RFEF has taken the decision to remove Secretary General Andreu Camps from his position, a role he had fulfilled since Rubiales assumed the presidency in May 2018.

Two players, Barcelona Femení stars Mapi León and Patricia Guijarro, asked to leave the squad earlier this week, saying that their situation is "different than for the rest of our colleagues."