Topline
The Spanish women’s soccer team agreed to resume play early Wednesday after the country’s soccer federation promised “immediate and profound” structural changes, ending a month-long impasse after ex-soccer chief Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso following the squad’s World Cup win.
Key Facts
The players agreed to end their boycott of the national team after a seven hour meeting between the players, the soccer federation, the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD) and the player’s association FUTPRO.
CSD President Victor Francos told reporters the meeting was cordial and constructive and all the groups had agreed to form a joint body to ensure the agreements are met.
Agreed changes include equality policies in the national sports law, advances in equal pay and improvement of infrastructure for women players.
According to the Spanish daily Sport, another key argument inclues the ouster of Rubiales’ close associates at the soccer federation including Secretary General Andreu Camps.
Representatives from the Spanish soccer body RFEF did not detail what structural changes will be made to the organization, but Reuters reported they will announce this soon.
Spain will now have a nearly full squad in their upcoming games against Sweden and Switzerland in the coming days.
Surprising Fact
Despite the agreement, two of the 23 players selected for the national squad did not agree to take part in the upcoming games, citing unwillingness and personal discomfort. Francos said their personal decision will be respected and the two unnamed players will not face any sanctions.
Crucial Quote
Speaking to the press after the meeting, FUTPRO President Amanda Gutierrez said: “The players see it as a rapprochement of positions. It is the beginning of a long road ahead of us…Once again, they have shown themselves to be coherent and the vast majority have decided to stay for the sake of this agreement,” according to a Reuters translation.
Key Background
The agreement appears to have brought an end to a player revolt by the player that stems from Rubiales’ actions after the side’s World Cup win last month. Rubiales was seen on video and in photos holding player Jenni Hermoso’s face and kissing her on the mouth during the post-game awards ceremony. The soccer star has said she did not consent to the kiss but Rubiales insisted he did nothing wrong and the kiss was consensual. Rubiales’ initial refusal to step down prompted a torrent of global criticism against him as the players threatened to boycott the national team. Rubiales eventually resigned earlier this month but insisted that he was a victim of unfair “persecution.”
.