September 19, (THEWILL) – The stand-off between Spain’s national women’s football team and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) looks set to continue after the Federation named a squad for upcoming fixtures, including players currently boycotting the team.
The boycott began following the Women’s World Cup when RFEF President, Luis Rubiales, kissed veteran striker, Jenni Hermoso, during the trophy presentation ceremony. Despite Rubiales’ resignation, the players say “nothing has changed” and will maintain their boycott.
Hermoso, who was omitted from the latest squad, claimed the call-ups were “another strategy of division and manipulation” by the RFEF. Players refusing call-ups face fines of up to €30,000 under Spanish sports law. The Federation stated “structural changes” were needed but did not directly address the players’ concerns.
New coach Montse Tome suggested Hermoso was left out to shield her from ongoing media attention. Hermoso questioned this, asking, “Protect me from what? And from whom?”
With neither side backing down, the impasse threatens Spain’s preparations for upcoming tournaments. Resolution will likely require Federation chiefs to properly address the cultural concerns raised by the World Cup winners.
