MADRID, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) — The 23 members of Spain’s triumphant Women’s World Cup winning team have informed the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) of their continued refusal to play for the team.
The 23 World Cup champions, along with a further 12 players who previously refused to play while Jorge Vilda was team coach, have made this collective decision. This comes despite Vilda’s recent sacking and the subsequent appointment of his former assistant, Montse Tome.
This development also follows just a few days after Luis Rubiales announced his resignation as RFEF president. His decision came in the aftermath of a controversy in which he was seen kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during celebrations for Spain’s 1-0 World Cup final victory over England in August.
In response to that incident, the 23 World Cup winners, along with other female players, signed a communique. They claimed that they would not represent Spain as long as Rubiales remained in the RFEF.
Even with the departures of Vilda and Rubiales, it seems the players are advocating more profound structural changes in how the RFEF manages the women’s team.
Tome will announce his inaugural squad on Friday, as Spain prepare to face Sweden on September 22 and Switzerland just four days later.
Source: sn.dk