Victor Francos Addresses Media Queries
In a significant turn of events, the majority of Spain’s women’s national team has decided to put an end to their boycott, according to Victor Francos, the Spanish secretary of state for sports. This breakthrough came about at an early 5:00 AM local time meeting on Wednesday, following more than seven hours of discussions.
This development is crucial, especially with the impending Nations League games this month. While 21 of the 23 initially called-up players have agreed to return to the squad, two players have opted to withdraw.
Francos emphasized that the Spanish football federation (RFEF) has pledged to implement “immediate and profound changes” to address the players’ concerns.
The saga began when former RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final last month. This incident, which Hermoso claimed was non-consensual, ultimately led to Rubiales’ resignation and the dismissal of Spain’s manager, Jorge Vilda.
The unexpected kiss became a hot topic in both Spanish and global football circles. It’s quite remarkable how a seemingly innocuous peck on the cheek could trigger such a dramatic sequence of events.
Now, Spain is gearing up to face Sweden on Friday and Switzerland next Tuesday in the Nations League, and Francos assures us that “the team will play the next two games with guarantees.”
The resolution was reached during what Francos described as “friendly” discussions in Valencia, involving the players, RFEF officials, the CSD (Spanish government’s national sports agency), and the women’s players’ union Futpro.
To ensure accountability and follow through on the agreements, a joint commission will be established between RFEF, CSD, and the players, with the official signing set for tomorrow. This commission will be tasked with overseeing the profound changes the players have demanded within RFEF.
Importantly, Francos stressed that players who have chosen not to participate will not face any sanctions. This move is seen as a mark of respect for their decisions. It’s quite a relief, considering they could have potentially faced fines or bans from the national team for refusing international duty.
Montse Tome, the newly appointed head coach, announced her squad for the Nations League games earlier this week, including 15 players who were part of the World Cup squad. However, the players swiftly issued a statement affirming that the boycott was still in effect and that they felt coerced into a situation they never wanted to be in.
Hermoso, a central figure in this controversy, was notably omitted from the squad, ostensibly to “protect her.” Yet, her response implied that nothing substantial has changed within RFEF.
Beyond the immediate resolution, the CSD has announced the formation of a commission to oversee the agreed-upon changes. These changes will primarily focus on equality policies, strides in achieving equal pay, and enhancing the infrastructure of women’s sports.
Amanda Gutierrez, the president of Futpro, saw this as a positive step forward, describing it as a “rapprochement of positions.” She noted that the vast majority of players decided to stay for the sake of this agreement, acknowledging that this is only the beginning of a long journey ahead.
As the Spain players make their way to the training camp in Valencia, the world watches with interest. In the midst of this ongoing saga, midfielder and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas summed up the sentiments with a simple but powerful statement: “Well, bad.”
The situation remains complex, with Rubiales facing legal action, banned from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters. His appearance in court on Friday marked the first step in addressing the legal aspects of this controversy.
In the end, this saga serves as a poignant reminder of the power dynamics at play in the world of sports and the ongoing struggle for equality and respect, both on and off the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Keyword: Spain Women’s Team Boycott
What led to the Spain women’s team boycott?
The Spain women’s team initiated their boycott after the former RFEF president, Luis Rubiales, kissed forward Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final against England. Hermoso claimed the kiss was non-consensual, which resulted in Rubiales’ resignation and the sacking of Spain’s manager, Jorge Vilda.
How was the boycott resolved?
The majority of the Spain women’s team decided to end their boycott following more than seven hours of discussions, with 21 of the 23 initially called-up players agreeing to return to the squad. The resolution came about after friendly talks in Valencia, involving the players, RFEF officials, the CSD, and the women’s players’ union Futpro. A joint commission will be established between RFEF, CSD, and the players to oversee the agreed-upon changes, which will be signed officially.
What changes did the RFEF commit to making?
The RFEF pledged to make “immediate and profound changes” in response to the players’ concerns. These changes will primarily focus on equality policies, equal pay advancements, and improving the infrastructure of women’s sports.
Were there any consequences for players who chose not to participate?
Players who chose not to participate will not face sanctions, as their decisions were deemed “absolutely respectable.” This is noteworthy because they could have potentially faced fines or bans from the national team for refusing international duty.
How did the new head coach, Montse Tome, handle the situation?
Montse Tome included 15 players who were part of the World Cup squad in her selection for the Nations League games. However, the players swiftly issued a statement affirming that the boycott was still in effect. Jenni Hermoso was notably omitted from the squad, purportedly to “protect her.”
What legal actions are underway in this controversy?
Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales has been banned from approaching Jenni Hermoso within 200 meters after she filed a legal complaint. Rubiales appeared in court, denying allegations of sexual assault. The legal aspects of this controversy are ongoing.
More about Keyword: Spain Women’s Team Boycott
- Spain Women’s National Football Team: BBC Sport’s coverage of the Spain women’s national football team and their recent developments.
- Women’s World Cup Final Controversy: The Guardian’s article on the controversy surrounding the Women’s World Cup final and the actions that led to the boycott.
- Nations League Matches: ESPN’s coverage of Spain’s resumption of their Nations League campaign after the boycott ended.
- RFEF Commitment to Changes: Associated Press article detailing the RFEF’s commitment to making changes following the boycott.
- Equality in Women’s Sports: Sporting News discusses the significance of the Spain women’s team’s boycott in relation to gender equality in sports.
5 comments
Ths whole Rubiales-Hermoso kiss thing? Mega awkward. But glad they sortd it out. Go team!
spain womens boycot, it wuz so messy, but now they r back, gr8 news!
RFEF promised big changes, hope they stick to it. Womens soccer needs more love!
Rubiales got a ban, wow, legal drama in soccer, who knew?
Tht “profound” in RFEF’s pledge, big word, hope they kno what it means!