Revolt against women coaches
EM stars boycott Spain’s national team
09/23/2022, 09:29 am
They are considered the favorites at the European Football Championship, but are eliminated in the quarter-finals. Now the situation in the Spanish national team is escalating. 15 players have announced their boycott to the association and mutinied against head coach Jorge Vilda. He refuses to resign.
Mutiny and mass resignation: The protest against coach Jorge Vilda has escalated in Spain’s women’s national soccer team. As the Spanish association RFEF announced, 15 players are boycotting the team. They would have sent emails to the association with the same wording, explaining the reasons for their resignation.
Accordingly, the current situation is unbearable, the players see their health and emotional state affected. The reason is the alleged lack of qualifications of the 41-year-old, the insufficient training processes for the players and the early exit from the European Championship, reported “El Periodico”. They would therefore not play for Spain “until the situation is reversed”, i.e. the coaching team is relieved of its duties.
But RFEF reacted dismissively. The players’ declarations were “unprecedented in the history of football” and that they would not give in to the pressure. “The players will not be allowed to question the continuity of the national team coach and his coaching staff, as such decisions are not their responsibility,” a statement said.
A ban of up to five years is possible
Instead of clarification, the association apparently relies on confrontation. The situation is one that “goes beyond sport and is a matter of dignity.” The statement said: “This type of intrigue does not fit with the values of football or sport and is harmful”. The federation also warned the players that refusing to play could risk a two to five year ban under Spanish law.
However, the association also emphasized that it did not want to escalate further and did not want to exert any pressure. The players should therefore not be called up until they “admit their mistake and apologize”. Only then is a return to the team possible. If necessary, the association will use youth players for as long. The main thing is that they are “committed”, according to RFEF: “It’s a question of dignity.”
Neither captain Irene Paredes nor world footballer Alexia Putellas are reportedly among the retired players. However, the latter is currently not available for the upcoming games in October due to her cruciate ligament rupture shortly before the European Championships. The radio station Copa reported that with Patri Guijarro, Mapi Leon, Sandra Panos, Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Ona Batlle, Lucia Garcia and Laia Aleixandri, eight players declared themselves to the association, who defeated Germany (0:2) in the preliminary round of the European Championship. had been in the starting XI in July. According to the “Guardian”, Leila Ouahabi is also said to be among the protesters, she was also one of the starting eleven against Germany, and according to the “Guardian” Andrea Pereira, Clàudia Pina, Ainhoa Vicente, Lola Gallardo, Amaiur Sarriegi and Nerea Eizagirre have declared their boycott.
Conversations are unsuccessful
Three weeks ago, the Spaniards had expressed their dissatisfaction with their head coach Vilda, discussed it with RFEF President Luis Rubiales and confronted Vilda himself with her views. But the 41-year-old had refused to resign. The players then appeared in a press conference where captain Paredes – who is not one of the mutineers – said they “didn’t ask for a sacking”. However, she admitted that “the captains have shared how we’re feeling on behalf of the group.” She said they were assured there would be changes.
Spain’s national team plays Sweden on October 7th. The Spaniards were considered the favorites at the European Championships, lost their world player Putellas shortly before the start of the tournament and then failed to convince in the group stage. The game against Germany was surprisingly clearly lost. They were eliminated in the quarter-finals, and the team lost 2-1 in extra time to the eventual European champions from England.
Vilda has been the coach of the Spanish national team since 2015. His contract was only extended by two years until 2024 shortly before the European Championship.