Some players from Spain’s women’s World Cup-winning team joined a training camp on Tuesday after threatening to boycott the national team in protest against sexism and inequality.
Misa Rodriguez, Olga Carmona, Oyhane Hernandez, Eva Navarro and Terry Abera had previously said that they would not play for the Spanish national team until there were changes in the Spanish Federation, but they arrived at the hotel next to Madrid Airport.
The five players joined Spain’s squad before playing a match in the European Nations League against Sweden on Friday, and were chosen by coach Montse Tomé, despite their statement last week demanding the departure of more people in the Spanish Federation after Luis Rubiales, president of the federation, and Jorge Belda, the former World Cup-winning coach.
On Monday, Jenny Hermoso, who was at the center of the discussion in the scandal of a kiss on her mouth from Rubiales during the World Cup winning medal ceremony, accused the Spanish Federation of trying to divide and manipulate female players.
Hermoso said that the federation did this by threatening the players with legal action and imposing financial fines if they refused to play.
According to the Spanish Sports Law, the fine for refusing to play with the national team amounts to 30,000 euros ($32,000), in addition to suspending the playing license issued by the local federation for a period ranging between two and 15 years.
Two sources close to the players said that all members of the squad are expected to attend, in light of their exposure to threats.
In response to a question about how happy she was with her selection for the Spain squad, Mesa Rodriguez said upon her arrival at the hotel, “No.”
Hermoso was not among the squad announced by Montse Tommy on Monday, which includes 15 players out of the 23 players who succeeded in winning the World Cup title.
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