World Cup champions in Spain refuse to play for the national team

World champions, Spanish footballers and other players have decided not to respond to the team’s next challenge, considering the changes in the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after the so-called “Rubiales case” insufficient.

According to RFEF sources and others close to the players, quoted this Friday by the Spanish media, 41 players, including 23 who won the world title at this year’s World Cup, have informed the federation that they maintain their refusal to return. to the national team.

The players’ decision came hours before new Spain women’s coach Monse Thomé announced those called up for the Nations League games against Sweden and Switzerland on September 22 and 26 respectively.

Spain won the FIFA World Cup, which took place this year in New Zealand and Australia and the final of which was marked by a kiss on the lips given by then RFEF president Luis Rubiales to player Jenny Hermoso during victory celebrations. at Sydney Stadium.

Janie Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual, contrary to Rubiales’ claims.

Rubiales’ behavior earned him disciplinary proceedings by the Spanish Administrative Sports Court and FIFA, which suspended him for 90 days.

The player, in turn, filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by Rubiales, who initially refused to resign but eventually resigned from his position.

Rubiales will be heard by a judge in Madrid this Friday.

A few days after the World Cup final, more than 80 Spanish football players issued a statement of solidarity with Jenny Hermoso and said they would refuse to play for the Spanish national team unless changes were made in the federation.

In addition to Rubiales’ departure, the federation fired women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda and replaced him with Montse Thome, who was the coach’s “number two.”

According to news published this Friday, 41 players consider the changes insufficient and refuse to join the Spanish national team.