Spain’s World Cup Winners Arrive at Training Camp Amidst Federation Dispute

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Several members of Spain’s victorious World Cup soccer team began their arrival at the training camp in Madrid on Tuesday, even though they had previously expressed their reluctance to join the national squad until significant reforms were implemented within the soccer federation.

Local media captured the players as they checked into the team’s hotel, a move that followed the decision of the new coach, Montse Tomé, to disregard their initial refusal to participate unless their demands for change within the federation were met.

In a statement issued on Monday, the players had expressed their surprise at the call-up and their intention to continue their boycott. However, refusing to answer the national team’s call-up could potentially put them in violation of Spanish sports law, which mandates athletes to join national teams unless they have compelling reasons, such as injuries, preventing them from participating.

This development marks the latest turbulent episode in Spanish soccer, a crisis ignited by the controversial incident involving former federation president Luis Rubiales, who kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory last month.

Hermoso, who asserted that she did not consent to the kiss, accused the federation of attempting to intimidate the players by selecting them for the national team despite their explicit requests not to be called up.

In a statement on Tuesday, she argued that the federation’s decision to call up almost half of the 39 players who had initially refused to play for the national team as a form of protest was “undeniable evidence” that “nothing has changed.”

The players had made it clear that they would not return until their demands for substantial reforms and new leadership within the federation were addressed. However, Tomé, on Tuesday, included 15 of the players who contributed to Spain’s first Women’s World Cup victory in the squad but left Hermoso off the list, purportedly to “protect her.”

Hermoso questioned the need for protection and noted, “A claim was made stating that the environment within the federation would be safe for my colleagues to rejoin, yet at the same press conference, it was announced that they were not calling me as a means to protect me.”

Tomé stated that she had held discussions with Hermoso and the other players and expressed confidence that they would all report to the training camp on Tuesday.

Originally scheduled for Friday, the squad announcement was delayed due to the lack of agreement with the players.

Miquel Iceta, Spain’s acting minister of culture and sport, pledged on Tuesday that the government would work towards resolving the impasse. He urged the federation to address the flaws in the current call-up and to reform its structures to ensure a secure, competitive, and professional environment for all players.

The government confirmed ongoing talks with the players, and the president of the country’s sports council, the highest sports authority, was expected to meet with them on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Monday, the federation reiterated its commitment to structural changes, but Hermoso remained skeptical, stating, “The people who now ask us to trust them are the same ones who disclosed the list of players who have asked NOT to be called up.” She expressed concerns that this was a strategy to divide and manipulate the players and to intimidate them with legal and economic consequences.

The players announced on Monday that they would explore the possible legal ramifications of not attending the training camp. They contended that the call-up did not adhere to current FIFA regulations, and some players, particularly those based abroad, may not be able to join the team in time.

Hermoso concluded by expressing her support for her fellow players, emphasizing the need to fight for change in the federation. Among their demands were the resignation of interim president Pedro Rocha and an overhaul of the women’s team staff.

Spain is scheduled to play Nations League matches against Sweden on Friday and Switzerland on September 26, with the team planning to train in Valencia before departing for Sweden.

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• Spanish Soccer Federation
• Women’s World Cup
• Spanish Sports Law
• Luis Rubiales
• Jenni Hermoso
• Miquel Iceta
• FIFA Regulations
• Pedro Rocha
• Spanish Government