Spain, the reigning Women World Cup champions, have decided not to include Jenni Hermoso in their squad for the upcoming matches, a decision seemingly influenced by the recent Luis Rubiales kissing controversy.
In the wake of Jorge Vilda’s dismissal, Montserrat Tome has assumed the role of the Spanish national team’s manager. Tome has taken a proactive approach by selecting 15 players from the victorious World Cup squad to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Sweden and Switzerland.
Curiously, Jenni Hermoso does not find herself among the chosen players for these important matches.
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At a press conference, Tome said: “We are with Jenni Hermoso in everything, the best way to protect her is like this.”
This follows the recent declaration by Spain’s players, asserting their boycott of the upcoming two matches as a unified stand for change within the Spanish Football Association.
Out of the original 80 participants in the strike, 39 are still holding their ground – comprising 21 of the 23 World Cup champions along with an additional 18 players. However, 41 have altered their position since the initiation of the strike.
The players partaking in the strike firmly believe that the departures of Rubiales and Vilda are insufficient to rectify the prevailing issues and that more extensive actions are warranted. Notably, from their triumphant World Cup squad, only Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza have not endorsed the collective statement.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas said earlier this week: “We are asking for changes so no woman, inside or outside of soccer, should ever have to experience again situations of disparagement, disrespect, or abuse.
“We need consensus, courage, and leadership from the institutions, please. This is why we will not stop here.”
The boycott persists despite Rubiales’ recent resignation during his interview with Piers Morgan, along with Vilda’s dismissal.
Both Rubiales and Vilda faced allegations of misogyny even before the infamous incident where Rubiales kissed Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso after their victory against England in the Sydney final.
Vilda, who had a tumultuous relationship with the women’s team during his eight-year tenure, was conspicuously left out of the celebrations and was eventually removed from his position due to mounting pressure on the Spanish FA.
Despite facing public criticism, Rubiales initially resisted stepping down, boldly stating, “I’m not quitting.” However, he eventually relented and announced his resignation after being suspended by FIFA.
Notably, Rubiales has steadfastly refused to apologize to the World Cup star, denying Jenni Hermoso’s assertion of non-consent and insisting that the kiss was merely a “very common kiss between friends” without any sexual intent or aggression.
The full squad is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Misa Rodriguez, Cata Coll, Enith Salon
- Defenders: Irene Paredes, Laia Alexandri, Maria Mendez, Oihane Hernandez, Olga Carmona, Ona Batlle, Maria Leon
- Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, Maria Perez, Tere Abelleira, Rosa Marquez
- Forwards: Athenea del Castillo, Esther Gonzalez, Eva Navarro, Mariona Caldentey, Inma Gabarro, Amaiur Sarriegi and Lucía García
