The majority of the Spain Women’s National Football Team have decided to end their boycott following an agreement on reforms, announced by the Secretary of State for Sports, Victor Francos. This development came after over seven hours of meetings and discussions.
According to Victor Francos, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has committed to implementing “immediate and profound changes” to address the concerns raised by the players.
As a result of the agreement, Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, two of the 23 players named in the squad, have left the team. The boycott initially began after former RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso, an action she described as non-consensual. This incident led to Rubiales’ resignation and the sacking of Spain’s manager, Jorge Vilda.
Spain is scheduled to play against Sweden on Friday and Switzerland.
Victor Francos, head of the Spanish government’s national sports agency (CSD), stated that the team’s decision to end the boycott is a positive development, ensuring that the next two games will proceed with guarantees.
Francos revealed that the decision to end the boycott came after “friendly” talks in Valencia involving players, RFEF officials, CSD representatives, and the women’s players’ union, Futpro.
While Leon and Guijarro will not face sanctions for their decision to leave the squad, they expressed support for their teammates and emphasized the ongoing need for changes within the RFEF.
The reforms will focus on equality policies, equal pay advancements, and improvements in the infrastructure of women’s sports. A commission will be established to monitor these changes.
Additionally, the RFEF has announced that the men’s and women’s Spanish national teams will merge under a single logo and branding known as “Seleccion Espanola de Futbol” to promote equality and a more egalitarian concept of football.
-BBC-
