Montse Tomé postponed unveiling the Spain women’s national team roster for the UEFA Nations League matches in September, a moment steeped in controversy as 39 players signed a statement saying they will not represent the national team under the current leadership. Tomé, who took charge after the Rubiales case and became the first woman to coach a Spanish national side, was expected to present the squad for September’s fixtures against Sweden and Switzerland. These games form part of the Nations League, serving as qualifiers for the Olympic Games, and in some cases, representing matches the team has not played before.
As the new coach prepared to speak publicly, a historic sit-in unfolded. Numerous players signaled that they would not respond to the call-up, deeming the federation’s reforms insufficient. The federation, which governs Spanish football, has faced sustained pressure to enact structural changes. The players’ statement reaffirms their stance while underscoring ongoing demands for systemic reform.
In the days following Tomé’s announcement regarding the Sweden and Switzerland selections, 39 Spanish players confirmed their refusal to be called up by the national team through a formal declaration. Yet two World Cup champions from the Australia–New Zealand campaign chose not to sign the declaration, Athenea and Claudia Zornoza. What previously appeared unanimous now shows a split, reflecting the complexity of family considerations, sponsorship obligations, and union matters that can influence a player’s decision beyond personal preference. Calls and counter-calls circulated as the situation evolved.
It is important to note that declining a national team invitation can carry legal consequences in Spain, where sports law obliges players to respond to a national-team call. Aware of the potential penalties, the players and their representatives strategize to manage any possible repercussions while continuing to pursue the changes they seek.
Montse Tomé’s anticipated call-up list for September 2023: matches against Sweden and Switzerland in the Nations League
Following an unforgettable World Cup triumph in Australia and New Zealand, where Spain’s women’s team crowned themselves champions, the players also used their platform to press for reforms. In the aftermath of Rubiales’s kiss scandal involving Jenni Hermoso, and ahead of Jorge Vilda’s departure and Rubiales’s resignation, a significant portion of the squad halted their participation with the national team. The mass withdrawal extended to players who had not joined the World Cup squad, including several who joined the protest during the summer.
Looking ahead, Tomé faced the task of naming the roster for the September 22 and 26 fixtures against Sweden and Switzerland. The announcement was surrounded by controversy and a sense of uncertainty, yet there was a shared understanding that the world champions would not rush to defend the national shirt unless decisive changes were made by the federation. The call had originally been scheduled for Friday, September 15 around 4:00 PM, but was postponed to allow time for the broader negotiations and discussions connected to the players’ mass resignation. Some reports suggested a potential new date the following Monday as talks continued.
Additionally, a post from the federation’s official channels noted the scheduled presentation and call would occur at 4 p.m., though it would be delayed pending resolution of the ongoing deliberations. The wider context included public commentary on the evolving situation and attribution to the national governing body. This article follows the developments with an emphasis on the players’ stance, the federation’s responsibilities, and the path forward for Spain’s women’s national team.
Which matches and dates did Spain’s women’s national team have in September 2023? The schedule centered on the Nations League clashes against Sweden and Switzerland, with broader implications for Olympic qualification and the ongoing reform conversation surrounding the federation. Source references were reported from Goal and other coverage surrounding the events, providing context for readers following the evolving status of the team and its leadership.
Source: Goal