Spain's National Team's Bold Decision to Boycott World Cup

Spain’s new women’s team coach had to delay announcing her first squad when most of the World Cup-winning players continued their boycott. The players demand reforms and changes in leadership to combat sexism in soccer.

Montse Tomé, the Spain coach, was set to announce her squad, but the players refused to return to the team. According to Spanish sports law, athletes must respond to their national team’s call unless they are unable to play due to circumstances like injury.

The women’s team boycotted after Luis Rubiales, the former president of the federation, kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips at an awards ceremony, leading to calls for his resignation and institutional reforms.

The federation has been in turmoil since Rubiales’s departure. He was initially suspended by FIFA, and his interim replacement fired women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda. However, this did not persuade the players to return.

The FUTPRO players’ union, representing the World Cup winners, issued a statement calling for more comprehensive changes within the federation, including personnel changes. Two players, Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza, did not sign the statement. Zornoza announced her retirement from international soccer.

The federation has shown more support for the players during this second rebellion, hiring Montse Tomé as the first female coach of Spain’s women’s team. The players are demanding sweeping reforms to prevent discrimination and abuse within soccer.

Spain is part of a joint bid to host the 2030 men’s World Cup, and the Spanish government has warned that the federation’s controversies could harm the bid’s prospects. Rubiales is currently being investigated for sexual assault and coercion against Jenni Hermoso.

Re-reported from the article originally published in US News