LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Spain women’s national team has officially ended their boycott after seven hours of intense talks, and two players have requested to leave the camp.
Initially, the squad had declared a boycott of the national team after Montse Tome named her first group as the manager, replacing Jorge Vilda.
The majority of the team initially stood firm in their decision to boycott international duty, with concerns of legal repercussions looming.
The players arrived in Madrid on Tuesday, where they were greeted by a barrage of reporters and photographers covering their arrival, as the threats of legal action concerning the boycott escalated.
The boycott had initially stemmed from the incident involving former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso after the team’s victory in the 2023 World Cup final.
READ ALSO: RFEF Apologizes For Luis Rubiales’ Actions, Vows To Restore Spain Women’s Team’s Spotlight’
The players released a statement outlining their intentions to boycott selection until significant reforms were implemented within the RFEF.
Victor Francis, the head of Spain’s government’s national sports agency (CSD), engaged in a marathon discussion with the group into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
He had previously warned the players that they could face legal consequences if they continued to strike.
After the discussions with the national team, Francis stated, “The players have also shown us their concern about the need to make profound changes in the RFEF, and the RFEF has committed to ensuring that these changes occur immediately.”
He also revealed that two players had requested to leave the concentration for reasons of low spirits and personal discomfort. Fortunately, this decision will not result in any sanctions against the players.
While the identities of the two players who have requested to leave the Spain camp remain undisclosed, Montse Tome, the team’s manager, will still have a full squad at her disposal for the upcoming Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland.
