The dedication of women’s soccer players to the national federation has shifted into a necessary stance following public exchanges between players and leadership.
On Friday afternoon, the federation’s football director, Ana Álvarez, stated that she trusted Jorge Vilda and his work, while also signaling that a list would be drawn up. She suggested that some players would be excluded from consideration under Vilda’s authority, asserting that Spain’s team hope to field players with high potential and experience—even if some have less exposure at the international level.
Fifteen players who challenged coach Vilda left the Spanish team
Sergio R. Vinas
Putellas speaks with one voice
After a night of discussions, Alexia Putellas issued a firm statement criticizing what she called partial and public disclosures by the RFEF. She referred to private communications that could affect players’ health and well‑being.
In the message, the players asserted that they had not relinquished their commitment to the national team. They expressed the need for protection of their emotional and personal well‑being and asked not to be recalled while the situation affected their feelings. They warned that the current dynamics could influence selection decisions and potentially cause harm.
They called for a professional project that safeguards all aspects of preparation to attain peak performance and emphasized that they never demanded the coach’s dismissal. They clarified that their goal is simply to improve the collective performance and to build something meaningful in women’s football.
The players also criticized the tone of the federation’s public statements, noting that dialogue and mutual respect are essential. José Manuel Franco, head of the Superior Sports Council, commented that both sides should sit down to talk and that the situation requires careful reflection.
Next week will reveal the federation’s next moves. The coach must prepare a list of opponents for October, including Sweden and the United States. The 15 players named in the dispute—Ainhoa Vicente, Patri Guijarro, Leila Ouahabi, Lucía García, Mapi León, Ona Batlle, Laia Aleixandri, Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmatí, Andrea Pereira, Mariona Caldentey, Sandra Paños, Lola Gallardo, Nerea Eizaguirre and Amaur Sarriegi—are not expected to be part of the upcoming selections. The list does not include players from Real Madrid or captains Irene Paredes and Jennifer Hermoso, and several clubs are not represented in the group.
This is the full description:
The players regret that, in response to the RFEF’s request, private communications containing health‑related information were disclosed to the public. They note that the federation did not offer an official reply.
They reaffirm that they have NOT resigned from the Spanish national team under any circumstances and that their commitment remains unwavering. They stated that they will continue to support the national squad and that they will keep communicating their position in a constructive manner.
In their letter to the RFEF, they asked not to be recalled while emotional, personal, and performance factors are at stake, as well as potential implications for results and injuries. These considerations form the basis of their decision.
pic.twitter.com/OwKIr3tWt3
— Alexia Putellas (@aleksiaputellas) September 23, 2022
From a group they believe can achieve more and better outcomes, they call for a firm commitment to a professional project that accounts for every aspect necessary to reach peak performance. They hope this project benefits the federation, the women’s national team, and the players themselves, avoiding personal conflicts.
They reiterate that they never asked for the coach to be dismissed. They recognize that their role is not to determine leadership changes but to speak openly about what could enhance the team’s performance.
Eight months before a World Cup, they question whether this demand to abstain from selection is a trivial matter or a strategic maneuver that could affect careers and finances, urging a fair and focused approach to the national program.
Pushed by their passion as players, they aim for maximum professional and personal success again. They conclude by condemning the childish tone used in the federation’s public statements and emphasize their commitment to advancing women’s football for today and the future generations.
In the broader context of women’s sports, they express regret that stepping away from the team becomes a necessary step to push forward a strong, ambitious professional program that benefits the sport for years to come.