Spain women agree to end boycott ahead of double header after Rubiales scandal
Spanish players have agreed to end their boycott of the women's national team.
The World Cup winning team were striking following the handling of the fallout from Luis Rubiales, kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup presentation ceremony. But the dispute has now been resolved after the country's football federation (RFEF) said it would make "immediate and profound changes" to its structure.
The squad initially reiterated it's stance to boycott the national team after new manager Montse Tome named her first group since replacing Jorge Vilda, for games against Sweden and Switzerland. But the players have now struck an agreement following seven hour talks with officials from the RFEF and Spanish government sports agency, the National Sports Council (CSD).
The breakthrough means Spain will be able to fulfil their first Nations League games, with the first coming on Friday in Sweden. Spanish players had previously said they would not represent Spain until there were changes at the federation.
Victor Francis, the head of Spain's CSD, who was involved in the talks released a statement following the announcement. But he added that two players from the 23-player squad, later revealed to be Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, have still requested to leave.
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Francis said: "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.
"Of the 23 called up, 2 players have requested the possibility of leaving the concentration for reasons of lack of spirit and personal discomfort.
"The formula to be used will not entail sanctions. The players are in a difficult moment. I think it is good news to be able to say that the national team will play the two games with guarantees."
Former RFEF President Luis Rubiales (Getty Images)FUTPRO president Amanda Gutierrez added: "It is the beginning of a long road ahead of us. "Once again, they (the players) have shown themselves to be coherent, and the vast majority have decided to stay for the sake of this agreement."
Spain won the Women's World Cup last month after a 1-0 win over England in the final. But their first ever major tournament triumph in the game became overshadowed by at the time RFEF President Rubiales grabbing and kissing Spain star Hermoso on the lips during the presentation ceremony. Hermoso later said the kiss was not consensual.
Rubiales has since resigned from his position. He is also the subject of a restraining order, following Hermoso filing a complaint for alleged sexual assault and coercion. But despite his resignation, Spanish players were still prepared to withdraw from the national team for future fixtures.
But following amicable talks in Valencia a decision was reached by the players to return. Tome selected 15 players who were part of the World Cup squad in her squad for the Nations League games, but she has not included Hermoso in the squad. The new Spain boss said it was to "protect" the forward.
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