Press conference featuring Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, leaders of FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, set in Gothenburg. They appeared after a grueling period, visibly exhausted from the recent intensity and lack of sleep. Speaking at the players’ request, they addressed reporters from the locker room about the crisis that has unfolded over the last month, what has happened since becoming world champions, and the current state of affairs.
Relating to
-
The Oliva summit exposed the most serious crisis within the Spanish squad
-
Valencian midfielder Claudia Florentino replaced Mapi Lef3n in the national team
-
All national team players except Mapi Lef3n and Patri Guijarro will participate; urgent changes are anticipated within the RFEF
The Oliva summit revealed the deepest crisis in the Spanish team
The midfielder from Mollet opened by saying, plainly, there is little time and when the team returns to Spain they will discuss matters calmly to clear up any doubts. There were indications of discrimination, and the group noted unacceptable events that had occurred in Parliament over the past month. The team members stressed that this was the tipping point and they could no longer endure the situation.
Zero tolerance
There was a clear message about due process. Alexia stated that the victim, Jenni Hermoso, did not consent to any unwanted situation and that the players and their colleagues stand by her. They reflected on the personal cost of the saga, noting that the team had slept only a few hours for days while trying to process what had happened. The players emphasized that they cannot simply be seen as footballers and must address the broader context surrounding the issues in question.
In front of a room filled with Spanish and Swedish journalists, the group made it plain that no player should be altered or removed from the squad for exercising their right to speak up. They noted that investigations are underway and that a formal judicial process involves everyone connected to the alleged abuses.
Agreement
Alexia explained that the Oliva meeting was divided into two segments. First, in Jenni’s case, it was acknowledged that the federation’s protocols had fallen short because they failed to take a firm stance in support of the victim. The group called for tangible reforms and the creation of a mixed commission to ensure better protection and transparency within the federation.
Second, the players called for measures to avoid sanctions against teammates who choose not to participate in public statements. They argued that the movement has provided a clear guide for women’s sport and society, and that their aim remains to focus on playing football while recognizing the need for broader changes that extend beyond the pitch.
A solitary fight
Irene Paredes, as captain, explained that the team had to attend the rally even though the initial decision to participate had been reluctant. They joined the discussions reluctantly but with a sense of responsibility. The players believed that engaging in the process was essential to implement the agreements and bring about lasting change. Alexia added that skipping the meetings would have meant retreating and setting a poor example for the younger squads.
The group acknowledged that change will take time and that some steps have already been taken. They felt heard but also recognized a delay in the pace of progress. The involvement of the Council for Sport (CSD) was noted as a positive development, though the team pointed to the late arrival of support. The sentiment remained that the journey ahead is long, but this press conference could mark a turning point. There is a shared hope that many women facing similar issues will see improvement as a result of the actions sparked by this moment.