Even after the resignation of association head Luis Rubiales, the attack after the World Cup title continues to have consequences. Spain’s female footballers are sticking to their decision not to play for the time being.
According to media reports, the 23 Spanish footballers who won the World Cup in August and other top players do not want to compete for Spain until there are no further personnel changes in the Spanish football association RFEF following the attack after the World Cup final.
This initially affects Spain’s games in the Nations League next Thursday (September 21, 2023) against Sweden and five days later against Switzerland, the state TV broadcaster RTVE and other Spanish media reported unanimously. The 41 athletes informed the association of their decision by telephone just hours before the new coach Montse Tomé was introduced.
Players demand further consequences
The players are of the opinion that the resignation of RFEF President Luis Rubiales, who kissed world champion Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth without being asked at the award ceremony, and the separation from coach Jorge Vilda were insufficient. Among other things, they called for the dismissal of the association’s general secretary, Andreu Camps, as well as the press department employees who, shortly after the awards ceremony in Sydney, distributed a statement from the association in which words were put into Hermoso’s mouth that she had not said the newspaper “Mundo Deportivo” wrote.