Jose Manuel Francopresident of the Higher Sports Council (CSD), defined as ‘a very important day’ this in which the statutes that allow the start-up of the first women’s professional soccer league in Spain have been signed.
“I don’t know if it’s a historic day but it is very important, not only for women’s football but for women’s sport in Spain as a whole. I would even dare to say for Spanish society, because the search for equality in any field is welcome Other sports will come that must be treated in a similar way. There are no two equal sports but the fight for equality remains, “he said.
“It was about seeking an agreement with which all the parties were comfortable and recognized. In an agreement of these characteristics, where unanimity is sought, resignations and flexibility have had to be given. But the search for agreement and the responsibility of the parties involved,” he said.
In this sense, he analyzed the previous process: “We have gone through difficult times because we were looking for a very broad agreement, unanimity, from the first moment. And that is difficult to achieve. There have been serious differences of opinion, ups and downs… I want to thank the clubs, the Federation and the players the understanding they have had with the CSD”.
“I have not doubted at any time because it was an effort not only by the CSD but also by the Government of Spain, which was determined to promote equality in Spanish sport starting with football. That’s where we are,” he added.
Regarding the times to follow, he indicated: “The Professional Women’s Soccer League begins to take effect next season, it continues under the protection of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). But there are still stages to cover. The CSD, said with In all humility, she has done what she had promised to do, start the competition, make women’s football professional, but there are still steps to be taken”.
“The deadlines no longer depend on us. The league is constituted, it will elect its president and Board of Directors and they start up. The deadlines do not depend on us. We have caused the professional league to be born and now it has to grow , develop and never die,” he said.
He also expressed the desire that a woman be put at the head of the competition: “It has to be the league that is constituted that chooses. It seems reasonable, logical, that being the women’s football league its president is a woman. Because we also have women in the field of sport in general, and football in particular, very prepared and highly qualified. They would do very well”.
“I am very hopeful that this is possible. I appeal to responsibility and I believe that in the league they will be sensitive and responsible enough to choose the best option. And I understand that the best option is a woman,” he completed.