Spain’s head coach Montse Tome has called up most of the same 23 players who won the Women’s World Cup for their upcoming Nations League fixtures later this month.
15 players from the World Cup side have retained their places for Spain’s matches against Sweden and Switzerland. Jenni Hermoso, Ivana Andres, Irene Guerrero, Laia Codina, Alba Redondo, Salma Paralluelo, Rocio Galvez and Claudia Zornoza have not been selected.
On Friday, 39 players – which included 21 out of the 23 World Cup-winning side – said they wanted further changes at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), confirming that the resignation of former president Luis Rubiales, and the sacking of Jorge Vilda as head coach did not suffice to persuade them to rejoin the team.
In August, members of the women’s team said that they would reject call-ups to the national team until the leadership of the RFEF is changed following the actions of Rubiales at the World Cup final.
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Rubiales kissed Spain forward Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony at Stadium Australia after Spain’s victory over England. He has since resigned from his position following public reaction to the incident.
A letter signed by 81 players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, described the actions of Rubiales as “violating the dignity of women”.
However, Tome said that she has “full confidence in the players” and that a “new stage” is starting from today.
Speaking at a press conference, she said: “I have spoken with the players, that is a conversation I will not reveal, they are professional things between us.
“I have full confidence in these players. It is an incredible group. Those two players were not at the World Cup, but a new stage is starting, from zero today. There is nothing behind. We are really looking forward to being able to count on these players.”
Tome, however, did not confirm why Hermoso wasn’t selected.
Earlier this month, Hermoso filed a legal complaint over the kiss from Rubiales. She said the kiss was not consensual but Rubiales has insisted it was, and has maintained that he “would continue to defend his position to tell the truth”.
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“We are with Jenni in everything, and with all the players,” Tome added. “We believe the way to help them is to be close to them and listen to them. I am the most responsible, with my staff, and we believe the best way to protect her in this squad is this way. We count on Jenni, I have worked with her for five years, we also faced each other when I was a player.”
Spain’s women’s team has had several disagreements in the past with the RFEF. Last year, 15 players sent emails confirming they did not wish to be selected until changes were made in the national team setup. The changes they were calling for related to both on-field and off-field issues. All members of ‘Las 15’ signed the statement in August, including the 12 players who were not recalled for the World Cup.
Earlier on Monday, The RFEF released a statement declaring a “public commitment” to make “structural changes” in the federation. They had urged the players to come forward and join in on the changes being made.
Pressed on whether something had changed to ensure the players would return to the federation, Tome said: “We are all clear this has been a special situation, and everything produced these days has been something exceptional. The federation has worked to be able to speak to the players. We have listened to them. We are all part of this, and must have good communication. From today we are starting out on the Nations League, and very excited about this competition.”
Spain face Sweden on September 22 and play Switzerland four days later.
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Spain squad in full
Goalkeepers: Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid), Enith Salon (Valencia), Cata Coll (Barcelona)
Defenders: Ona Batlle (Barcelona), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Maria Mendez (Levante), Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City), Oihane Hernandez (Real Madrid), Maria Leon (Barcelona)
Midfielders: Patri Guijarro (Barcelona), Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid), Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), Maria Perez (Sevilla), Rosa Marquez (Real Betis)
Forwards: Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), Inma Gabarro (Sevilla), Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC), Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona), Eva Navarro (Atletico Madrid), Lucia Garcia (Manchester United), Amaiur Sarriegi (Real Sociedad)
(Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
