Kiss scandal
Spain’s soccer world champions: No strike after agreement
Luis Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth after the World Cup victory. photo
© John Cowpland/Rfef/AP/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
The international strike by the Spanish soccer world champions has probably been averted. The changes demanded by the players in the much-criticized national association should be implemented.
One month after the kissing scandal surrounding the association president, who has since resigned Luis Rubiales, the dispute between the Spanish soccer world champions and the national association RFEF has been resolved for the time being. During negotiations that lasted six hours and dragged on until early morning, a number of agreements were reached, the president of Spain’s top sports authority CSD, Víctor Francos, told journalists.
The players around world footballer Alexia Putellas had demanded several personnel and structural changes at the RFEF and called for an international boycott to emphasize their demands. They have now been promised that the required reforms should be implemented “immediately,” Franco informed. 21 of the 23 professionals nominated for the Nations League games on Friday in Sweden and on Tuesday against Switzerland were then convinced to play.
The two players who wanted to leave the training camp in Oliva in the Valencia region after the negotiations despite the agreement would not be punished, Francos assured. They were Patricia Guijarro and Mapi León. “Mentally we are not able to stay here,” said Guijarro. But León emphasized: “We are of course happy that there will be changes and that they will be set out in writing.”
Protest even before the kissing scandal
Guijarro and León were among the 15 players who announced their resignation from the “Selección” long before the kissing scandal – in September last year – in protest against the work of the RFEF and national coach Jorge Vilda and did not take part in the World Cup. The RFEF still stood by Vilda at the time, but after the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, they parted ways with the coach, who was replaced by Montse Tomé, in the wake of the kissing scandal.
“It is not a happy ending, but the happy beginning of a path that should lead to a renewed association and players who feel comfortable and enjoy playing and winning,” explained Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta. There will be elections at the RFEF at the beginning of 2024, said Iceta, who also promised several dismissals.
During the discussions between CSD, the players and association and union representatives, “profound changes” were agreed upon, which the RFEF will announce shortly, said Francos. The sporting future of the new national coach Tomé, who is considered Rubiales’ confidante, was not an issue.
Penalties threatened
Tomé had called up 15 world champions for the Nations League, even though these athletes, along with other colleagues, had announced their strike days ago. After the association threatened severe fines and long-term bans, the players began the journey to the training camp despite their resistance.
At the award ceremony after Spain’s final triumph over England (1-0) on August 20th in Sydney, Rubiales kissed world champion Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth. By mutual consent, he assured. However, Hermoso vehemently denied this. The 33-year-old also filed a complaint, which enabled the public prosecutor to file a criminal complaint with the State Court. Hermoso was not nominated by Tomé for the time being. The coach said they wanted to “protect” the player.
Spain wants to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris through the Nations League. Only the final participants go to France. “La Roja” must first finish first in the group in order to reach the final round with four teams. Another win is needed in the semi-finals in order to advance to the final and thus secure a ticket to the Olympics. If France, who already qualified as hosts, makes it to the Nations League final, a win in the game for third place would be enough.