Calls, meetings, huddles and waiting, lots of waiting. Nothing has been resolved in the last 24 hours between the Federation and the 39 internationals that asked for clear and forceful measures on Friday to restructure this institution. The federative body is working against the clock to try to convince the players, but the changes they are asking for are not easy to undertake and they have asked for time. A time that they do not have with the debut in the Nations League in five days. Therefore, in parallel to the negotiations, Montse Tomé is trying to put together an alternative list to face Sweden and Switzerland. A list that could include the world champion Athenea del Castillo, who did not sign the letter. Neither did Sheila García, who was injured, nor Claudia Zornoza, who announced her definitive withdrawal from the national team. The Federation is obliged by UEFA to give the squad list 24 hours before the day of the match and the expedition should head to Göteborg this Thursday to face Sweden, so time is of the essence.
Spanish women's football is experiencing its most turbulent weeks and the wear and tear of the players is increasing after having experienced a day of strike in the F League over the collective agreement, an issue now on track, and the negotiations with the Federation. In their last statement, the soccer players transmitted a message of unity and clarity. Accused of not speaking clearly, this time they specified four areas in which to undertake reforms – communication, integrity, the presidential cabinet and general secretary and the organizational chart of women's football – as well as the resignation of the president, the only point that has been achieved.
The Federation trusted that the players would end up backing down, as happened with 'the 15', but they maintained unity, something that caught them off guard, forcing them to cancel the presentation of Montse Tomé, as well as the announcement of the list. For the first time, the Federation publicly recognized in a statement that the transformation of the institution, requested by the players and by the CSD itself, is necessary and promised changes through a public statement. The players also assured that their attitude is one of dialogue, but it does not seem that it is an issue that can be solved in the short term, so we will have to see what agreement can be reached.
