Unprecedented Standoff: Spanish National Women's Players Locked in Intense Battle with Federation

Players representing the Spanish women's national squad have restated their stance of declining participation in two upcoming matches unless significant reforms are implemented within the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). This development follows the controversy involving former soccer boss Luis Rubiales, who engaged in an unwelcome kiss directed at La Roja star Jennifer Hermoso. The newly appointed head coach, Montse Tomés, has included the names of twenty players from the previous letter of objection in her 23-player squad roster.

Tomé, who replaced former manager Jorge Vilda in a restructuring at RFEF after Spain's triumph in the Women's World Cup, disregarded the players' expressed desire to not be called up for justified reasons when he selected them for the matches against Sweden and Switzerland on September 22 and 26. The players, in statements shared on social media on Monday, expressed their intention to examine the potential legal consequences of RFEF's decision to include them in the list despite their prior request to be excluded. They emphasized the importance of making the best decision for their futures and their well-being.

Several players, including Athenea del Castillo, Misa Rodríguez, Olga Carmona, and Teresa Abelleira, reported for camp despite their previous refusal to play for Spain until significant changes are made in the federation. The players' statement was released shortly after Tomé informed reporters that she had been in contact with the players and had taken steps to address their concerns.

"The federation has made efforts to establish effective communication with the players," stated the speaker. "I personally have also collaborated with them, actively listening to their concerns. We believed that everyone was an integral part of this group, and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong communication."

Montse Tomé speaks at a press conference in Madrid on Monday.

Rodrigo Jimenez/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

When asked if any player had expressed their desire not to be selected for the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League matches, Tomé stated that no player had done so. In the meantime, Hermoso, who was not included in Tomé's call-up, issued a statement on Monday affirming that there have been no changes within the federation.

Hermoso, who has not been included in the 23-player squad for the upcoming fixtures, expressed frustration over the prolonged search for protection from the RFEF that ultimately yielded no results.

"The individuals who are now urging us to trust them are the very ones who have just revealed the list of players who have requested not to be called up."

The players firmly believe that this is yet another tactic to divide and manipulate, aiming to intimidate and threaten us with legal consequences and economic sanctions. It serves as undeniable evidence that reaffirms the status quo, indicating that nothing has changed, even in modern times.

Ivana Andres of Spain and her teammates celebrate with the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy after winning the final match against England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia on August 20, 2023.

A majority of Spain's World Cup-winning players have declined to participate in upcoming matches due to the controversy surrounding an unwelcome kiss. The president of the Spanish government's High Council of Sport (CSD), Víctor Francos, affirmed during a radio interview on Cadena SER that these players may be subject to fines and sanctions under the country's Law of Sport for not fulfilling their obligations to the national team after being summoned.

"I sincerely hope that the players have agreed to the call-up," Francos expressed. "In the unfortunate event that they do not make an appearance, the government will be compelled to take necessary actions and enforce the law. Trust me, it pains me immensely to even consider such actions, as I would never wish to be in that position."

"However, it is essential to acknowledge that the law, particularly the Law of Sport, clearly dictates the necessary procedures for national teams. Although international regulations for national teams also play a significant role, I remain optimistic that a feasible solution can still be reached."

"I have a sense that the RFEF has shifted their problem to the government, suggesting that they will handle it and make the final decision."

In accordance with Spain's Law of Sport and the RFEF Disciplinary Code, players may face fines ranging from 3,006 euros ($3,213) to 30,051 euros ($32,125), as well as potential suspension or confiscation of their playing licenses for a period of two to five years. This could potentially impact not only their future in international competitions but also their careers with their respective clubs.

On Tuesday, Francos expressed his intention to engage in discussions with the squad, citing the responsibility and necessity for the government to intervene. Confirming this, a spokesperson from CSD informed CNN that conversations with the players are underway throughout the day. Additionally, Miquel Iceta, the Minister of Culture and Sports in Spain, addressed the press on Tuesday, urging the RFEF to find a resolution to the conflict.

"The High Council of Sport will take personal initiative in finding a solution," he stated.

"After the triumph in the World Cup, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has no authority to dispossess Spain of their women's national team, and this is even more unacceptable."

Therefore, we urge the federation to rectify all the inadequacies of this unusual squad call-up, and to revise its organizational framework in order to ensure that the federation truly becomes a secure, competitive, and professional environment that both players and Spanish citizens are entitled to. Additionally, Iceta assured that a resolution would be reached prior to any disciplinary actions being taken against the players.

Alexia Putellas controls the ball against Japan during the Women's World Cup.

In response to the ongoing conflict between the federation and the players, Iker Casillas, the goalkeeper who won the men's World Cup, expressed his thoughts on X (previously known as Twitter), stating, "Each action taken by RFEF only seems to exacerbate the situation."

The AFE, the union for Spanish footballers, expressed its utter astonishment at the call-up on Monday, stating that it finds it completely incomprehensible. The union emphasized that the institution, which had previously declared its intention to initiate a new era of open and collaborative dialogue, is once again displaying a significant disregard for women's football and the newly crowned world champions.

We urge RFEF to stop pressurizing the players and reflect upon the reasons behind the lack of confidence and support among many of its selected players. The Spanish women's national team is scheduled to face Sweden and Switzerland in the Women's Nations League on Friday and next Tuesday, respectively.

How we got here

Over a year ago, Spanish players expressed their discontent with the federation. Fifteen members of the senior women's squad took matters into their own hands by individually signing letters addressed to RFEF. In these letters, they made it clear that they would refuse to continue playing for the national team unless significant overhauls were made within the coaching staff.

Only three out of the 15 players who signed the letters, namely Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmatí, and Ona Batlle, were part of Spain's World Cup squad. This trio was selected by Tomé for the squad announced on Monday. Despite facing off-field challenges, the young Spanish team delivered an outstanding performance at the Womens World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, emerging victorious in the final against England to claim their first title.

The accomplishment was later overshadowed by Rubiales' actions during the medal ceremony and the subsequent fallout. This led to the resignation of the former soccer boss as RFEF president on September 11.

Now that Vilda and Rubiales have stepped down from their positions, RFEF aims to initiate a fresh chapter in women's soccer.

Prior to announcing the squad list on Monday, a statement was issued by the organization emphasizing its dedication to implementing changes.

"To successfully accomplish these changes, it is imperative to thoroughly analyze and address any behaviors or actions that may have taken place. We will proceed with professionalism and fairness, ensuring that all relevant parties are held accountable for their actions," stated the organization.

The Federation, society, and the players themselves are clearly united in this shared objective: to usher in a new era of football where the sport emerges as the ultimate victor in this transformative process.

Ex-RFEF chief Luis Rubiales testified in Spain's National Court on Friday.

Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images

On Friday, Rubiales appeared before Spain's National Court in response to a summons from the presiding judge. His presence was required to assist in the court's investigation regarding allegations of sexual assault and coercion against him. The Spanish Prosecutors office confirmed that Rubiales cooperated by providing answers to the judge and all concerned parties, firmly denying the charges.

Afterwards on Friday, the judge issued a restraining order against Rubiales, prohibiting him from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius. Additionally, he was instructed not to engage in any form of communication with her while the court proceeds with the investigation. Upon departing from the National Court in Madrid, Hermoso's lawyer Carla Vall expressed her belief that the lack of consent was evident to the global audience, which they intend to demonstrate.

CNNs Pau Mosquera and Ben Church contributed to reporting.