Despite their call-up to the Spanish women’s national team by new coach Montse Tome, several striking players have reaffirmed their intention not to join the squad, delivering another blow to the embattled Spanish football federation (RFEF).
Earlier, Coach Montse Tome had selected 15 players, most of whom were part of the Women’s World Cup-winning team. However, many of these players had previously stated their refusal to represent their country until significant changes were made within the federation.
The turmoil within the RFEF began when former president Luis Rubiales resigned three weeks after forcibly kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup victory on August 20, leading to global outrage. Over 80 Spain players went on strike after the incident, and despite Rubiales’ resignation and the sacking of coach Jorge Vilda, 39 players maintained their stance, demanding structural changes within the federation.
Tome excluded Hermoso from the squad, citing the decision as a measure to protect her.
In response to their call-up, those players who were part of the 39 initially on strike released a statement on social media, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. They emphasized their firm stance “not to be summoned for justified reasons,” and they declared that their previous statements remained valid.
The players expressed their intention to examine potential legal actions they might face for refusing the call-up, noting that the federation’s delay in naming the squad according to FIFA regulations might weaken its ability to enforce the summons.
“We regret that once more our federation has put us in a position in which we never wanted to be,” added the players.
Notably, players Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro, and Amaiur Sarriegi, who had been part of the ongoing protest since before the World Cup and continued to strike, were included in the squad.
The situation has drawn criticism from various quarters, with former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas expressing concern on social media. Victor Francos, president of Spain’s sports council, indicated that he would contact the players and suggested that the government should intervene.
Coach Montse Tome expressed her trust in the professionalism and love for the national team among the players, stating that they had just become world champions and she believed they would join the squad.
She also emphasized her support for Jenni Hermoso and explained that leaving her out of the squad was a measure to protect her. Tome had worked with Hermoso for five years.
Swiss forward Ana Crnogorcevic, who recently signed for Atletico Madrid, criticized Tome’s squad selection, calling it “disrespectful” to the players who had demanded changes before returning to the national team.
The ongoing turmoil within the Spanish women’s football team has created a challenging situation for the federation, with the players’ strike potentially impacting Spain’s participation in the 2024 Olympics.
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