Player revolt and missing stars hurt Spain's World Cup title bid
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Spain should be among the favourites for the Women's World Cupbut without several key players because of a dispute they are taking the hard path.
La Roja will still be a threat in Australia and New Zealand this month, but they are undoubtedly weaker for the absences of stars protesting against the Spanish football federation (RFEF) and coach Jorge Vilda.
Patri Guijarro, who struck twice for Barcelonaas they won the Champions League, and club team-mates Mapi Leon and Sandra Panos are big misses, even as two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas returns after injury.
Three players who were part of a 15-strong protesting group have been selected — Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle, all at Barcelona too.
They stepped down from their position, ostensibly satisfied that sufficient improvements were being made in the areas the players demanded.
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FootballDiscontent between players on the one side, and the RFEF and Vilda on the other, had been brewing for some time.
Issues they were concerned about included the atmosphere around the camp, Vilda being too strict, the team's lack of success under the coach since his reign started in 2015, and disputes over travel arrangements and staff numbers.
In September 2022 the situation exploded — 15 of the squad emailed the RFEF to say they did not want to be considered for selection citing their «emotional state».
«This is a farce, on the worldstage,» said Vilda at the time.
«It's hurting women's football.»
'Practically resolved'The RFEF backed the coach and he omitted the protesting players for friendlies against Sweden and the United States in
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