Spanish FA puts out public statement for players confirming commitment to change

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have put out a statement reaffirming their commitment to reform in women’s football, following the continued strike by 39 players from the national team.

Last Friday those 39 players put out a statement demanding five changes to the RFEF; the resignation of the President of the RFEF, the restructuring of women’s football, restructing of the general secretariat, restructuring of the marketing and communication department, restructuring of the integrity committee. Only then will they return to the national team. 21 of those players were World Cup-winners just last month.

Ahead of Spain‘s Nations League clashes with Sweden and Switzerland, new Manager Montse Tome is due to announce her first squad without those players. The RFEF have released a statement urging the players to return to national selection and back them in their ability to make the relevant changes. They say they have made a public commitment to do so.

Equally, they also say “it is absolutely essential, to carry out these changes, to clarify each of the behaviours and conduct that may have occurred and to act, therefore, with professionalism and justice, settling the relevant responsibilities in each case.”

The implication appears to be that they want the group of 39 to give evidence and names in the process of restructuring these departments, which in essence would mean resignations and sackings in certain cases.

It remains to be seen how the 39 players will respond, but it appears they are willing to dig their heels in over change. The RFEF are yet to appoint a sporting director for the women’s team despite the announcement of Tome.

The RFEF wants to convey to the national team’s internationals the public commitment