02 September 2023 , 10:11
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A new nightmare threatens to exacerbate the already fragile landscape of Spanish football amid calls for strike action during the first two weekends of the women's top-flight.
Unions representing players in Liga F have called for a strike on the first two weekends of the new season after deals regarding better pay and conditions fell through.
The new season is due to begin on 8 September.
The Spanish footballers' association (AFE), one of the five unions involved, said negotiations over improving a collective bargaining agreement have been taking place for more than a year.
A previous agreement signed in 2020 guaranteed women's players a minimum salary of 16,000 euros (£13,706), as well as benefits including paid holiday and maternity leave, after strike action. The minimum salary in the top flight of men's football, La Liga, is 182,000 euros (£155,923).
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Unions will meet with the league again on Monday. Calls for strike action arrive amid startling unrest gripping Spanish football after suspended president Luis Rubiales kissed Spain striker Jennifer Hermoso during the Women's World Cup trophy presentation.
Rubiales, 46, has been subsequently suspended by the Spanish FA and FIFA. Multiple investigations have also been launched against the RFEF chief, who has routinely insisted that his kiss with Hermoso was consensual.
Spain's Administrative Court of Sports (TAD) opened a misconduct case against Rubiales on Friday. The TAD's conclusion that Rubiales' actions constituted 'misconduct' and not 'serious misconduct' means that the CSD (High Court for Sport) cannot get involved despite calls for further suspensions.
Following the TAD's ruling, Rubiales released a fresh statement admitting to making "obvious mistakes" though he maintained that the kiss between himself and Hermoso was consensual.
"I repeat: with the consent of both parties, both with affectionate hugs, as well as the kiss and subsequent parting thereafter full of affectionate mutual gestures, which occurred in the medal ceremony on stage," he said.
"Evidence, expert reports, documentation, videos, etc. have been provided and will continue to be provided. Pertinent evidence that proves the reality of what happened. Evidence is not opinions, it’s clear facts."