Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Spain call up WWC winners; Hermoso omitted

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Monday, 18 September 2023 10:10

Jenni Hermoso has been left out of the Spain squad for September's UEFA Nations League games, but the majority of La Roja's World Cup winners have been called up by new coach Montse Tomé.

Hermoso pressed charges against ousted Spanish Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales earlier this month for his unsolicited kiss after the Women's World Cup final win over England in Sydney.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

Tomé, who has replaced the sacked Jorge Vilda, said the decision was taken to "protect" the forward, who is now back in Mexico with her club side, CF Pachuca.

"We are with Jenni as we are with all the players," Tomé said Friday. "As for Jenni, we felt the best way to protect her in this squad was [by not picking her this time]."

Tomé has named 15 of the 23 players who helped Spain win the World Cup in her first squad, including back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and UEFA Women's Player of the Year Aitana Bonmatí.

Barça duo Mapi León and Patri Guijarro, who both refused to be part of the World Cup squad due to changes they felt were needed at the RFEF, have also been selected for the first time in a year.

However, it remains unclear whether everyone called up has agreed to return to action for their country after 39 players -- including 20 in Tomé's squad -- released a statement on Friday seeking changes at the RFEF beyond Rubiales' resignation and Vilda's dismissal.

"I have confidence that all the players are professionals," Tomé limited herself to saying when pressed on whether the call-ups were consensual.

"They are on the back of becoming world champions. They love this profession. It is a privilege to be part of the national team."

Spain face Sweden in Gothenburg on Friday and then host Switzerland in Cordoba on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Both games are in the Nations League, which also serves as the qualification pathway for next summer's Olympics.

The situation dates back to last September, when 15 players announced they were not available for selection until changes were made at the RFEF, but things have accelerated since Rubiales' behaviour after the World Cup final.

Rubiales planted an unsolicited kiss on forward Hermoso's lips, also grabbing his crotch, hugging and kissing other players, and throwing Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder after Spain's win.

He is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion for the kiss on Hermoso, who pressed charges earlier this month. The coercion charges relate to the pressure he is accused of putting on Hermoso and her relatives to say that she justified and approved what happened.

In August, 81 current and retired internationals said they would not play for Spain again under the current leadership and, on Friday when the squad was due to be announced, 39 said sufficient changes had still not been made.

The players called for a restructuring of women's football within the RFEF, as well as changes to the president's cabinet, the media and communications department, and the integrity department.

Earlier on Monday, before the squad was announced, the RFEF released a statement saying they "urge the players to join the changes" they promised to enact across the federation.

Athenea, María Méndez and Rosa Márquez were not among the 39 signatories last week. Athenea has declared herself available for the national team.

None of the players have positioned themselves since Friday.

Also on Monday, a Spanish court dismissed a lawsuit by Rubiales against coach Javier Clemente, who had called Rubiales a "dangerous and ambitious guy" seeking "to get rich," qualifying his comments as free speech.

Read 104 times

Soccer

Man City face 'tough' season after late collapse

Man City face 'tough' season after late collapse

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPep Guardiola said Manchester City are in for a "tough" season afte...

Man City need more than Haaland as season sits on knife's edge

Man City need more than Haaland as season sits on knife's edge

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMANCHESTER, England -- For 75 minutes on Tuesday night, Manchester...

10-man PSG drop to 26th in narrow loss to Bayern

10-man PSG drop to 26th in narrow loss to Bayern

Bayern Munich battled past 10-man Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Champions League thanks to Kim Min-...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Giannis out vs. Heat due to pregame knee issue

Giannis out vs. Heat due to pregame knee issue

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMIAMI -- Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for Tues...

Sources: Kings closing in on deal for Crowder

Sources: Kings closing in on deal for Crowder

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFree-agent forward Jae Crowder is close to a deal with the Sacramen...

Baseball

Dodgers split $46M from record MLB playoff pool

Dodgers split $46M from record MLB playoff pool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- A full postseason share for the World Series champion L...

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJeff Hoffman is one of the most sought-after relievers in this offs...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated