SPAIN confirmed they are boycotting their upcoming Nations League matches.
The Women’s World Cup champions were due to play their first matches since lifting the trophy on August 20.
GettySpain’s Women’s World Cup winners have boycotted their Nations League fixtures[/caption]
Luis Rubiales eventually resigned as Spanish FA president following the controversial kiss
La Roja were scheduled to face Sweden away on September 22 and Switzerland at home four days later.
However, in the wake of the backlash of the scandal surrounding former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales who kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips and ex-head coach Jorge Vilda, they confirmed they are still refusing to play.
Montserrat Tome – who played for Barcelona and Spain – was one of Vilda’s assistant managers and has now taken over as the first female head coach of the Spanish women’s national team.
But just hours before she was due to name her first squad, the team put out their statement following a three-hour meeting in which the stars unanimously decided they were not prepared to step back on to the pitch representing their country.
Their statement outlines a desire for a complete restructuring of Spain’s FA.
This includes a new general secretary, cabinet, media department and president.
Tome’s presentation as boss will now be suspended due to the player’s refusal to report for international duty.
Of the initial 80 who went on strike, 39 remain unavailable – all 23 World Cup winners plus 16 more – for selection but 41 changed their stance.
And Diario AS report those who refuse to accept a call-up could face shocking fines up to £25,000 and even have their playing licence suspended under Spanish national sports laws.
The boycott comes despite Rubiales’ eventual resignation in his interview with Piers Morgan this week and Vilda’s sacking.
The disgraced pair were both accused of misogyny even before Rubiales kissed Spanish midfielder Hermoso following the final win over England in Sydney.
Vilda, who angered the women’s team throughout his eight years in charge, was largely excluded from the celebrations and was removed from his post as pressure mounted on the Spanish FA.
Shameless Rubiales tried to fight on – boldly declaring “I’m not quitting” – before he relented and announced his resignation having already been suspended by Fifa.
He is in a Madrid court today amid the criminal complaint launched by Hermoso for the non-consensual kiss – and a judge will decide if the case goes to a trial.
Rubiales denies Hermoso’s claim there was no consent and says there was “no sexual content, no aggression” and that it was a “very common kiss between friends”.
He has refused to apologise to the World Cup star.
And the initial court hearing stated Rubiales is not allowed within 500m of Hermoso and is banned from communicating with her by any means.
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GettyJennifer Hermoso has pressed legal charges against Rubiales[/caption]
AlamyThe team were due to play their first game as world champions next Friday[/caption]
GettyJorge Vilda and Rubiales both left their posts after the win[/caption]
APRubiales is in court today and the case could go to trial[/caption]