Alhama de Murcia Case: Players Speak Out After Coach Sanctions

Eight months have passed since five players from Alhama de Murcia spoke out about the degrading and disrespectful treatment of their coach, as reported by El Periódico de Cataluña of the Prensa Ibérica group. Randri Garcia. Following the Labor Inspectorate and the Spanish Federation’s positive decisions, these players share with this outlet the experiences they endured during the entire process.

From the moment the situation went public, the locker room atmosphere turned hostile. Teammates and the technical staff did not back them. “We traveled to Bilbao soon after the news broke. We left the hotel with the team, and our friends stood in front of us. It was awful,” recalls Noelia Gil. “My colleagues chose to believe this man and his wife and they wouldn’t listen to me. We did not report that this man was a rapist or that there was sexual harassment. We did not report this,” she adds, stressing the events that occurred.

psychological treatment

Beyond the humiliation and psychological abuse described, the investigation also confirmed that he faced sanctions from former locker room colleagues. “Sixty-eight percent of staff” were exposed to such behavior “repeatedly over time,” as outlined in the Labour Inspectorate review conducted by the federation.

“I had a very rough time. It hit me hard and, truthfully, it still does,” says Erica. “I carried an eating disorder and felt relief when the decision was made. There have been extremely tough periods. I have seen people act this way not only toward me but toward every teammate. I had been with Alhama for seven seasons, and it’s hard to make sense of it. You hope things will change, but sometimes they don’t,” adds the footballer, who continues ongoing psychological care to process what happened.

“It was terrible. I’ve never experienced anything worse in my life.”

Noelia Gil

“I didn’t ask for permission because I didn’t want her to stay there laughing all day. I had to leave, as victims often do. I said: Even if I die, even if it costs me visits to the psychologist, I’ll stay here. It was terrible. I’ve never had a worse time in my life. And the worst part was not the coach alone, because he was part of a larger issue, and it frustrated me, especially the disappointment of my teammates,” admits Noelia Gil.

“Fears and insecurity”

The treatment endured by the coach left a lasting impact on all who spoke to this outlet. Whether former players like Nazaret Segura or current teammates, some have moved on to other clubs but continue to bear the toll. “Everything I experience at my new club affects me. I have automatic responses, I doubt myself, and I’m trying to recover my sense of self and confidence. My life felt altered; I could never be at ease,” one player shares, describing ongoing fear and anxiety as she strives for stability.

“Emerging from such a tough situation is hard. You don’t even know who you are, and it becomes more difficult when you see others treating you well and you can’t quite believe it. I carry my process, my fears, and my insecurities inside me. Small thoughts linger, but gradually I feel steadier, and I see the past version of myself fading,” adds Andrea Carid, who plays for Alavés.

Thanks FUTPRO

Alongside the isolation from some colleagues, the complainants felt sidelined by parts of the institutions, particularly the F League, which has yet to issue a statement regarding the case. “If I try to think only about institutions, I feel alone. I sensed little support outside FUTPRO or other unions that defend players. It feels as if they fall short in many ways,” notes Carid. The victims express gratitude to FUTPRO, the leading union for women’s football, for standing with them and speaking out during a time of immense difficulty.

Former Alhama player Nazaret Segura: “Randri takes pleasure in making players look ridiculous”

Laia Bonals

“We always hoped that the F League would issue a neutral statement. Not taking a side, but at least acknowledging the information, saying something like: ‘We are aware of these facts,’ and indicating actions that protect women’s rights. We want to condemn this behavior, and we felt vulnerable,” says Noelia Gil. “The F League was quick to react regarding Jenni’s World Cup involvement, but what about us? Where are we?” she adds. The disappointment was palpable.

“Let’s not remain silent about this”

A shared bond among the players helped them endure and face whatever came their way. They agree that reporting was extremely challenging and required courage, support, and belief from others. “Taking action is tough, but speaking out is essential. If you have no one to turn to, reach out to someone you trust. I will help you find a way to contact them. Let’s not stay silent about this. We do not deserve to endure such attitudes. Even though speaking up is hard, it is the solution,” asserts Carid.

definitive sanction

The Alhama case, first revealed by El Periódico de Cataluña on April 17, has concluded. Randri García, the Alhama de Murcia head coach, received a two-year disqualification from the RFEF. The sports director and the coach’s wife, Tamara García, were sanctioned with a one-year disqualification. The club was fined €6,001. Victims acknowledge that the sanctions are a step forward, yet questions remain about what will happen in two years and whether changes will endure.