World Cup preview – Group C: Player revolt, Putellas fitness overshadow Spain's World Cup charge
Spain are still among the favourites at the Women's World Cup but missing several key players because of a dispute and with concerns about Alexia Putellas' fitness they are taking the hard path.
La Roja are in confident mood ahead of their opener against Costa Rica in Wellington on Friday but they are undoubtedly weaker for the absence of stars protesting against the Spanish football federation (RFEF) and coach Jorge Vilda.
Only three players who were originally part of a 15-strong protesting group were selected for Australia and New Zealand – Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle, all at Barcelona.
That means Patri Guijarro, who struck twice for Barcelona as they won the Champions League, and club teammates Mapi Leon and Sandra Panos are all missing.
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas is in the squad after returning from a serious knee injury, but there are lingering fears about her fitness after she cut short a training session on Monday in New Zealand.
Team sources insisted the early departure had been planned.
The trio of returning players are back after stepping down from their position, ostensibly satisfied that sufficient improvements were being made in the areas the players demanded.
Discontent between players on the one side, and the RFEF and Vilda on the other, had been brewing for some time.
Issues 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 world stage," said
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