The majority of Spain’s World Cup-winning female footballers ended their boycott of the national team on Wednesday.
This decision came after the government stepped in to broker an agreement that’s anticipated to bring about significant reforms within the national soccer federation.
Only two players, whose identities were yet to be disclosed, chose to exit the team’s training camp after the government assured them they would face no repercussions.
This boycott was initiated in response to an incident involving the former federation president, Luis Rubiales, who had inappropriately kissed player Jenni Hermoso during an awards ceremony post Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory in Australia.
The players convened at the training camp on Tuesday, having been selected against their wishes by the new coach, Montse Tomé, in a move that added fuel to the ongoing controversy.
Following exhaustive discussions that went on till the early hours of Wednesday, involving top governmental sports officials, players, Tomé, and federation representatives, an agreement was reached, although specific terms were not immediately disclosed.
Víctor Francos, Spain’s Secretary for Sports, highlighted that these “cordial meetings” resulted in the formation of a committee comprised of players, the federation, and government representatives.
This committee’s primary objectives will revolve around enhancing gender policies, ensuring equal pay, and bringing about pivotal changes in women’s soccer. However, there was no indication of any potential dismissals within the federation.
The players had also demanded the resignation of interim president Pedro Rocha, who succeeded Rubiales. Francos mentioned that the identities of the two players who opted to leave would be announced by the federation in due course.
He stated, “They left the camp due to a lack of motivation and discomfort. We hope their decision will be respected.”
Despite the upheaval, officials confirmed that the players didn’t request the new coach, Tomé, to resign. Previously an assistant to the former coach, Jorge Vilda, Tomé took over the role after Vilda’s dismissal.
Earlier this week, Tomé had chosen numerous players, including 15 World Cup victors, who had vowed not to represent the national side unless their demands were acknowledged.
Nonetheless, Hermoso, who had openly expressed her non-consent to the inappropriate act by Rubiales, was exempted, with Tomé citing a desire to “protect her”.
Hermoso later accused the federation of attempting to coerce her fellow players into joining the national squad against their wishes.
