The F League, the first women's professional league, was supposed to start this Saturday, but the beginning of this new era has been marred by a new conflict, the arbitration collective's strike, which demands salary improvements and that they are also considered professionals .
On Thursday night they announced that they would not lead any meeting until they were guaranteed "minimum working conditions" and yesterday they endorsed the break. The Professional Women's Football League (LPFF) responded with another statement in which they explained that they had transferred a proposal to the Spanish Federation (RFEF) to "quadruple" the salaries of the collegiate members, but denounced that they had not received a response from the Federation.
"The arbitration group is being deceived by the president of the RFEF, Luis Rubiales", affirmed the League in a text in which they accused the federative president of "using women as a battering ram to achieve their only objective, to destroy Spanish women's football ”.
In the background of all this war, the confrontation between the RFEF and the League for control of the competition. Arbitration is one of the five matters excluded from the exclusive powers of the LPFF and that must be negotiated with the RFEF in a collaboration agreement that has not yet been closed. In the absence of agreement between both parties, and until all these aspects are reflected in the agreement for future seasons, it is the Higher Sports Council (CSD) that must mediate between both parties in all disagreements that arise.
The CSD showed its support for the arbitration group and summoned them to meet next week to start the negotiations. "The president has made it known to the group of referees that, obviously, they will have the full support of the CSD to improve their current conditions, increase their salary and be recognized professionally," they assured through a message distributed to the media. .
A few words that have not convinced the referees to withdraw their threat. "It's not enough to call off the strike," explain sources close to them, adding that they appreciate the support of the CSD, but that they need "something more tangible."
Throughout the day yesterday, conversations between the LPFF and the RFEF took place, with several proposals and counterproposals circulating. While the League promised to go from 300 euros to 1,650 per game for each main referee, the Federation warned that the item they were proposing was not enough to cover professional contracts for all members, as well as travel and material expenses. The collegiate members plan to hold a press conference on Monday.
