Tensions continue to rise between the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the national team players. Reports from RAC1, corroborated by EL PERIÓDICO DE CATALUÑA of the Prensa Ibérica Group, indicate a last‑minute shift in the federation’s plan. The federation reportedly redirected the focus of the squad from Madrid to Valencia, arranging economy class travel for players who were already under international duty. The change came after a surprising call on Monday and has left players and staff recalibrating expectations for an already unsettled period in the national program.
Following an unexpected phone call on Monday, Montse Tomé contacted 20 of the 39 players who had declared themselves unavailable for selection. Those players were initially scheduled to assemble on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Alameda Hotel in Madrid. Minutes before the supposed start of the concentration, the federation reportedly issued new travel plans, sending tickets to Valencia with a particular emphasis on Oliva. The move underscores the ongoing friction between the federation and the players, who have expressed significant concerns about call‑ups and the conditions surrounding them.
Role of CSD
In a very pointed statement issued last Friday, the players made clear their reluctance to be recalled for national duty. They argued that they are treated as non‑callable and voiced opposition to what they described as punitive economic and administrative measures tied to the Sports Law. The players have indicated they will pursue legal avenues and maintain contact with their lawyers as they seek a solid legal framework to support their stance and to determine whether attending the appointment is in their best interests. They have reaffirmed that a resolution must come through dialogue with the Supreme Sports Council, chaired by Víctor Franco, and through formal channels that can address their concerns in a clear, binding manner.
The situation unfolds amid broader political and sporting events in Spain, with ongoing discussions about the national team’s selection and future competitive commitments. The federation’s strategy appears to be under close scrutiny, with observers weighing how these internal disagreements might affect team cohesion and preparations for upcoming fixtures on the international calendar. The questions at hand include how the federation will handle player welfare, compliance with federation rules, and the potential implications for the team’s performance in the short and medium term.
There is particular attention on a scheduled match against Sweden in Gothenburg this Friday, followed by a fixture against Switzerland in Córdoba next Tuesday. Both matches are seen as pivotal for Nations League standings and for qualification pathways toward Paris 2024. The alignment of federation policies with player expectations—and the clarity of communication—will likely influence decisions about squad selection and team readiness as the dates approach. These developments come as coaches, federation officials, and players navigate a high‑stakes landscape where competitive results and the health of the sport in the country intersect with governance and legal considerations. As observers watch closely, the priority for many remains safeguarding the integrity of selection processes and ensuring that national team preparation can proceed with mutual respect and clear guidelines visible to all parties involved in the program.[Source attribution: RAC1; EL PERIÓDICO DE CATALUÑA; Prensa Ibérica Group]