Busy weekend in Spanish football. The Spanish Football Federation is racing against time to finalize a squad for the world champions, who have continued to refrain from responding to a request from new coach Montse Tomé. In a formal statement, players are calling for a radical change in how Spanish football is organized and run, signaling a demand for substantial reform within the federation’s leadership and structure.
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National team players insist that the changes announced so far do not provide a sense of safety or trust among the players.
National team players insist the changes are not enough for players to feel safe
News outlets have highlighted the ongoing tension between players and federation officials. The players want a clearer, more accountable organizational framework, including decisive leadership changes and a governance model that truly reflects the needs of the players on the national team. The dispute centers on how decisions are made, who holds ultimate responsibility, and how players can be confident in the federation’s directions moving forward.
Laia Bonals
There is a growing perception that the federation must align its administrative structure with the expectations of the players and the national program. In discussions described by El País, the federation is examining how to replicate a proven model from the men’s setup to the women’s side, with a focus on appointing a dedicated sports director who can oversee the professionalization of women’s football within the federation. This potential appointment would fill a critical gap and respond to calls for stronger management and clearer accountability, especially after the departure of former coach Jorge Vilda, and the subsequent elevation of Montse Tomé to the head coaching role. The federation is actively seeking a figure who can lead sports management and implement reforms demanded by the players as part of a broader modernization effort.
The judicial process has added another layer to the situation. The court has ordered that Rubiales remain at a distance from Hermoso and barred any form of contact, a decision that has implications for how the federation handles public relations and internal disputes. In parallel, federation leaders are working to persuade players to respond positively to Tomé’s call while also preparing an alternate list should trust in the current plan falter. Tomé has not yet released the full roster, and the plan is to introduce her as coach at an event early next week, where the sport’s leadership will be further clarified to supporters and stakeholders alike.
Why Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza did not sign the players’ declaration
Officials at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are pursuing a two-pronged strategy: push forward with structural changes while also giving a concrete name to the new role of sports director for women’s football. Pedro Rocha, serving as interim president until elections in 2024, has substantial latitude to oversee this transition and steer the federation through a period of upheaval. Rocha faces the challenge of calming rising tensions and pressing for the changes that players say are essential to restore confidence and stability within the national team program. The goal remains to reduce the friction between the federation’s leadership and the athletes, ensuring that the players feel secure as they prepare for future competitions and governance decisions.
Laia Bonals