Jenni Hermoso, a prominent figure in Spanish women’s football, has expressed her disappointment over the recent decision to call up players who had been boycotting the Spanish women’s team. She believes that this decision underscores the persistent issues within the country’s football federation (RFEF), even following the resignation of its president due to the Women’s World Cup kiss scandal.
The controversy stems from a kiss that took place during the trophy presentation ceremony in Australia, where Luis Rubiales, the then RFEF president, kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips. In response to this incident, many members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad initiated a boycott of national team duties.
Despite the boycott, most of the World Cup-winning squad members were included in the squad for upcoming games. In reaction to this development, the players have reiterated their boycott stance, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with the federation’s actions.
It’s worth noting that if the players refuse the call-up, they could potentially face significant penalties under Spain’s Sports Act, including fines of up to 30,000 euros ($32,000) and suspension of their federation licenses for two to 15 years. Victor Francos, the head of Spain’s government national sports agency, emphasized that “the government must apply the law” if the players do not comply with the call-up.
Jenni Hermoso, who was not among the players selected, expressed her surprise at the call-ups, suggesting that they were another attempt to create division and manipulate the players, intimidating them with legal consequences and financial sanctions. In a statement posted on social media, Hermoso stated that this decision serves as evidence that nothing has changed within the RFEF.
The RFEF has yet to respond to the recent developments surrounding the call-ups. In a statement released earlier, the federation acknowledged the need for “structural changes” and expressed a commitment to clarifying who should be held responsible for the behavior that the players brought to light.
Montse Tome, who has taken over as the coach of the national team, hinted that Jenni Hermoso’s absence from the squad was due to the intense media attention she received in the past month. Tome stated her support for Hermoso and her belief in protecting her. However, Hermoso questioned the need for protection and raised concerns about the inconsistency in the federation’s statements.
The ongoing controversy highlights the deep-seated issues within the Spanish women’s football scene, demonstrating the players’ determination to bring about change and hold the federation accountable for its actions.
