A resolution to the dispute between the Spanish women’s soccer team and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) seems to be in sight after agreements were reached among the parties involved, along with the government’s High Council of Sport (CSD).
Earlier this week, 20 players from the national team squad had expressed their refusal to participate in two upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League matches, including a game against Sweden scheduled for Friday.
However, as of now, 21 out of the 23 selected players have agreed to participate in the upcoming matches and will travel to Sweden, according to a statement from CSD President VÃctor Francos.
In the early hours of Wednesday, Francos announced that a “very solid agreement” had been reached, promising immediate changes in Spanish soccer to promote gender equality, equal pay, and improved infrastructure for women’s football.
He also confirmed that the players would not face any sanctions for their initial refusal to play.
Furthermore, a Mixed Commission, consisting of representatives from the players, RFEF, and CSD, will be established to work on further changes in the future.
Montse Tomé, the head coach of the women’s national team, is expected to remain in her position, having met with the players privately. This follows a recent controversy involving former RFEF president Luis Rubiales and an investigation into potential charges of sexual assault and coercion against him.
The ongoing tensions between the Spanish women’s team and RFEF date back over a year when 15 players, known as “Las 15,” sent letters to RFEF demanding changes within the coaching staff or they would not participate in national team matches.
Despite these off-field challenges, Spain’s young women’s team secured a historic victory at the Women’s World Cup, defeating England in the final and winning their first-ever title. Now, with changes in leadership at RFEF, the focus is on a new era for women’s soccer in Spain.
RFEF has expressed its commitment to bringing about organizational changes and renewing the sport for the benefit of all involved.
