Spanish Women's World Cup Triumph: A Breakthrough Moment or Devastating Blow for Women's Football?

Less than a year ago, 15 players refused to participate under the leadership of head coach Jorge Vilda. Presently, Spain has reached its first-ever Women's World Cup final. However, does this signify a setback for women's football? In September 2022, the Spain Women's national team faced turmoil when 15 players announced their unavailability for selection, despite Vilda retaining his position as the coach.

Every player, including prominent players like Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati and Patri Guijarro, sent an identical email to the Spanish Federation (RFEF), expressing the detrimental impact of Vilda's methods on their physical and emotional well-being. Surprisingly, despite the numerous and serious complaints, there was no indication of any internal investigation being initiated.

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Calls for Jorge Vilda's resignation have been mounting since the players' concerns were made public in September 2022. However, instead of addressing the issue, the federation has put forth a condition for the players' reinstatement, stating that they can only return to the national team if they "acknowledge their mistake and apologize".

The actions of the players were deemed as "scheming" by the RFEF, which could result in international suspensions ranging from two to five years. Additionally, the RFEF asserted that they will not tolerate the players undermining the national coach and his coaching staff, as such decisions are beyond their authority.

Twelve of those 15 players remain frozen out of the squad, with only Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle appearing at this Women's World Cup.

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Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati has been allowed back into the Spain squad after apologising to head coach Jorge Vilda

Fourteen years of Vilda

Vilda has been coaching Spain's national teams for 14 years, leading the country's golden generation of women's football.

He started his coaching journey with the U17s in 2009 and moved on to the U19s in 2014. In 2015, he was appointed as the head coach of the first-team.

Despite having talented players under his leadership, including Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, the team has not lived up to expectations so far. The team's best performance was during Euro 2017, where La Roja were eliminated in the quarter-final stage.

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Spain's Alexia Putellas is considered one of the best female players in the world

Following the quarter-final defeat against England in the Euros last summer, Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Patri Guijarro reportedly lodged a formal complaint with the federation. The complaint addressed various issues, including subpar training sessions, inadequate match analysis, insufficient rest, and inadequate protection of players' privacy. However, when their complaint remained unacknowledged, the 15 players united forces to demand necessary changes.

Vilda affirmed, "Resignation never crossed my mind," as he extensively defended his reputation during a press conference when the players made their statements in September 2022.

He added, "I wouldn't wish this upon anyone," highlighting the confusion surrounding the players' messages, both in person and in their statements, which has generated uncertainty. This uncertainty has fostered the notion that there must be some non-sporting element involved, which is understandable considering none of this would make sense otherwise.

I urge all the individuals whom I have collaborated with, keeping in mind the appreciative remarks from team captains regarding the exceptional treatment, to openly acknowledge if there has ever been a moment of disrespect or any grievances about my conduct throughout my professional journey. Unfounded accusations have been made by certain individuals who later chose to conceal themselves.

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Head coach Jorge Vilda celebrates with RFEF president Luis Rubiales

Both Vilda and his father voted for Luis Rubiales to become RFEF president in 2018.

"The support of [RFEF president] Luis Rubiales and everyone at the federation means so much," said Vilda.

Rubiales has been embroiled in several controversies, with accusations against the president ranging from misappropriating federation funds for personal gain to engaging in corrupt practices by relocating the Spanish Supercup to Saudi Arabia. Rubiales, however, vehemently denies these allegations.

Winning despite the chaos

The federation also stated that they would summon players who are completely dedicated to the team, even if it entails playing with younger players. As a result, several young talents emerged and showcased their skills on the global platform, ultimately assisting Spain in reaching their inaugural World Cup final.

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Salma Paralluelo, at the age of nineteen, made history by becoming the youngest female player from Spain to participate in a World Cup. Her remarkable contributions have solidified her role as a game-changer for La Roja. Notably, she secured the victory with an extraordinary goal during extra time against the Netherlands and commenced the scoring in an exhilarating climax to the semi-final against Sweden.

Putellas was captured diligently shining Paralluelo's boots after the game, symbolizing a symbolic passing of the torch. Her two crucial goals have not only showcased her talent but also provided an enticing glimpse into Spain's promising future. This blend of youthful creativity and the presence of esteemed players like Putellas and Bonmati has been the foundation of Spain's success.

Despite some improvements, tensions still exist as Vilda and the Spain coaching staff are largely excluded from post-match celebrations with the players. The struggle for respect among female footballers was a common theme leading up to the World Cup, encompassing equal funding, recognition for their accomplishments, and acknowledgement from coaching staff.

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Jamaica were forced to self-fund their way to this Women's World Cup

England play Spain in the final on Sunday in a history-making moment for both teams.

Follow the Women's World Cup final on Sky Sports

If Spain manages to take the final step this weekend, what message does it send to the Spanish federation? Does it affirm their decision to stand by their chosen leader, rather than the 15 women involved, or does it demonstrate the team's ability to triumph despite the chaos?

Follow all the pre-game preparations, live coverage, and analysis of the Spain vs England match on Sunday through We' digital platforms; the match begins at 11 am.

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