Most of Spain’s international footballers have agreed to rejoin the squad, the government said Wednesday, following a strike by the World Cup winners over the disgraced former president of the federation forcibly kissing a player.
The announcement followed hours of negotiations over player demands for further changes at the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after ex-president Luis Rubiales resigned.
“We have arrived at a series of agreements which will be drawn up and signed tomorrow” between the RFEF and the Spanish government, Victor Francos, secretary of state for sports, told reporters, adding that two of the 23 called-up players did not wish to continue with the squad.
A total of 19 players from new coach Montse Tome’s squad had been on strike over changes they want made to the RFEF, sparking concerns they would not play in upcoming Nations League games.
In the hours before the deal was announced, internationals selected by Tome gathered for training despite declaring themselves unavailable, some expressing fear of facing sanctions if they refused to play.
“We have been forced to come. But if they want to sanction us, then we have to come,” Barcelona defender Mapi Leon said.
Asked by a reporter on her arrival for training if she was happy to be included in the squad, goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez replied “No”.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was asked at Barcelona airport how she felt.
“Well, bad,” the Barca player replied.
The striking players issued a statement Monday in which they reiterated their wish not to be called up while acknowledging the potential for legal consequences that may force them to attend.
They had faced possible fines of between 3,000 and 30,000 euros ($3,200 and $32,100), while they could also have lost their licences to play for up to five years.
Secretary of State for Sport Francos, who is also the president of Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD), said the two women who decided not to play would not face sanctions.
