Spanish Women’s Soccer Team Speaks Out on Systemic Discrimination Ahead of Match
In a press conference held in Gothenburg, star players of the Spanish national soccer team, Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, addressed the issue of “systemic discrimination” within the country’s federation. This comes as the team prepares for their first match since winning the Women’s World Cup last month.
Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, expressed her frustration with the discrimination that the women’s team has faced for many decades. She stated, “We have been demanding to be listened to for a long time…there was systematic discrimination against the women’s team.”
Earlier this week, the Spanish women’s soccer team reached a breakthrough in their dispute with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Agreements were made between the team, the RFEF, and the government’s High Council of Sport (CSD).
Despite the previous refusal of some players to represent the national team, 21 out of the 23 selected players agreed to play and travel to Sweden for the upcoming match. Paredes explained, “They [the negotiators] told us that among the things they agreed to were to not sanction us, and then we made the decision to stay…”
The players acknowledged that they not only have a responsibility to themselves, but also to the Under-23 team. They believe that staying and playing is necessary for progress and to prevent passing on potential challenges to less experienced players.
The recent changes within the RFEF include advancements in gender pay and equal pay, the formation of a Mixed Commission to represent the players and organizations, and a change in branding for the women’s and men’s national teams.
Spanish Women’s National Team will face Sweden in the UEFA Women’s Nations League on Friday. Paredes emphasized that their main goal is to play soccer in dignified conditions and be respected. She said, “we are trying and demanding that things change.”
The ongoing investigation into ex-soccer boss Luis Rubiales’ alleged sexual assault and coercion has led to three of Jennifer Hermoso’s teammates being called to testify. Rubiales himself testified on September 15 and has denied all charges.
Despite the challenges and controversies, the Spanish Women’s Soccer Team remains focused on the game and is determined to fight for equality and fairness in the sport.