Striking Spanish women footballers return to squad after alleged negotiation

Several Spanish international women footballers have rejoined the national squad after a strike prompted by the former FA President.

The girls had earlier opted not to play for the national team until the former president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales was dismissed from office, and a reform was done in the Spanish FA.

The decision to return to the squad came after hours of negotiations aimed at addressing the players’ demands for reforms within the RFEF following Rubiales’ resignation.

Victor Francos, the secretary of state for sports, confirmed the truce, stating, “We have arrived at a series of agreements which will be drawn up and signed tomorrow,” while noting that two out of the 23 called-up players chose not to continue with the squad.

Nineteen players from the squad led by new coach Montse Tome had been on strike, raising concerns about their participation in upcoming Nations League games.

Some players had expressed fear of sanctions if they refused to play, with Barcelona defender Mapi Leon stating, “We have been forced to come. But if they want to sanction us, then we have to come.”

The strike had the potential to result in fines ranging from 3,000 to 30,000 euros ($3,200 to $32,100) and the loss of playing licenses for up to five years.

However, Secretary of State Francos confirmed that the two women who opted not to play would not face sanctions.

The controversy began when former president Rubiales forcefully kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup win on August 20.

Rubiales eventually resigned, and the coach Jorge Vilda was sacked. Even with the development, many players demanded broader reforms and structural changes within the federation.