Title: Montse Tomé Announces Spain Squad Amidst Ongoing Player Safety Dispute
Subtitle: National Team Faces Turmoil as Fallouts with Federation President Continue
In an unprecedented move, Montse Tomé, the new coach of the Spanish national soccer team, has announced her first squad despite ongoing disputes over player safety and federation reforms. The squad includes 20 out of 23 players who previously signed a letter refusing to represent their country until changes were made to ensure their safety.
The players reported for duty under the shadow of potential fines and domestic bans if they fail to comply. Six Madrid-based players arrived at a hotel in the Spanish capital before embarking on their journey to Valencia to join the rest of the squad.
Unfortunately, NJ/NY Gotham FC forward, Esther Gonzalez, will not be able to travel due to injury. She has been replaced by Sevilla’s Cristina Martín-Prieto, who is expected to join the team.
The players were taken by surprise when they received the call-up, as they had made their decision not to play until their demands were met. However, according to Spanish sports law, athletes are compelled to answer the call of their national team unless there are exceptional circumstances preventing them from playing. Non-compliance carries the risk of sanctions and fines, ranging from €30,000 to suspension of their federation license.
In an attempt to mediate the situation, the president of the supreme council for sports expressed hope in working as a mediator between the players and the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture and Sport voiced her disbelief at the possibility of players being sanctioned, demanding necessary changes to be made by the federation.
The ongoing dispute originated last September when 15 players made themselves unavailable for selection until improvements were made. The situation has intensified due to the fallout from federation president Luis Rubiales’ behavior, resulting in criminal charges and allegations of inappropriate conduct. In response, 39 players, including 21 members of the World Cup winning squad, announced their intention to seek further reforms.
Their demands include restructuring women’s football within the federation, changes to the president’s cabinet, media and communications department, and integrity department. Surprisingly, 20 of the 39 signatories were called up by Montse Tomé for the current squad. Notably absent from the roster is Hermoso, who questioned suggestions that she was omitted to “protect” her after pressing charges against Rubiales for sexual assault.
Among the concerned players is Mapi Leon, who relinquished her spot in the World Cup due to the ongoing turmoil within the federation. She expressed doubts regarding the safety of players in the current environment.
Despite the internal disputes, the Spanish national team is set to face Sweden and Switzerland in upcoming UEFA Nations League games, which serve as a qualification pathway for the Olympics. The matches will undoubtedly be a test of the team’s unity amidst the ongoing off-field challenges they face.
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