Madrid. Spain’s women’s national team started the EURO 2022 as co-favourites, but after the extremely close quarter-final loss to hosts England (1-2 after extra time), there was rumbling in the association. Now there has been an unprecedented mass resignation in protest against head coach Jorge Vilda. As the national association RFEF announced, 15 players resigned on Thursday with e-mails with the same wording.
In it, the apostates explain that the current situation is “significantly” affecting their “emotional state” and their “health”. As “El Periodico” reports, the allegedly inadequate qualifications of the team boss, the inadequate training processes from the point of view of the players and the early failure at the EURO were decisive for the rebellion.
They would therefore not be available for the Spanish national team “until the situation is reversed”, i.e. the coaching team is relieved of its duties.
The federation’s response is not one of harm reduction or compromise. On the contrary, the RFEF “will not allow the players to question the continuity of the national team coach and his coaching staff, as such decisions do not fall within their remit,” it said in a statement.
A long suspension is imminent
According to Spanish radio station COPE, currently injured world footballer Alexia Putellas has not resigned.
With Patri Guijarro, Mapi Leon, Sandra Panos, Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Ona Batlle, Lucia Garcia or Laia Aleixandri, numerous players who are basically part of the permanent staff have said goodbye according to information from the broadcaster. The approach of the players “does not correspond to the values of football” and is even “harmful”, emphasized the association. According to current Spanish law, the players face a ban of two to five years.
If necessary, the national team should now be filled with youth players, the main thing is that they are “committed”, according to the RFEF. Postscript: “It’s a matter of dignity.”
Vilda has been in office since 2015
A comeback of the now retired players is only possible if they realize their mistake and apologize. The attacked team boss Vilda does not think about resigning, it said. The 41-year-old has been in charge since 2015, and his contract was only extended until 2024 shortly before the EURO. The players had already expressed their dissatisfaction three weeks ago in a conversation with association president Luis Rubiales.
Now the situation has escalated.
Source: Nachrichten
