XABI ALONSO hailed Spain Women stars’ push for “decisive changes” within their country’s football federation.
The Bayer Leverkusen boss was speaking after a majority ended their boycott of the national team.
Their move came after players were given assurances the Spanish FA was committed to making “profound and immediate” changes to its structure
And tonight the federation (RFEF) sacked its secretary general Andreu Camps.
Reports in Spain described Camps as an ally of the organisation’s former president Luis Rubiales.
Rubiales resigned from his role after facing a backlash following his unwanted kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso following her team’s World Cup final win against England in August.
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Alonso, whose side will play BK Hacken in the Europa League on Thursday, told reporters: “My daughters will remember what these women fought for.
“Football is just a game. This is why everything that is happening right now can only be the first step. But it is an important step
“They became world champions, we should talk about their success.
“Good things can come from bad things if you fight for the right cause.
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“The footballers are fighting for their rights and clearly “they are on the right path.
“After the things we have seen in the recent past, it is important that things change in Spanish football and in the RFEF”.
The halt of Spain players’ boycott saw the bulk of the 23 called up for Women’s Nations League duty remain in camp after returning on Tuesday.
The group includes 15 of the squad who helped Spain win the World Cup for the first time in their history in August.
Players’ protest came in the wake of Hermoso being kissed on the mouth by Rubiales.
It also followed ongoing concerns regarding the federation’s management of the women’s national side and
However they agreed to end their mutiny on Wednesday following several hours of talks that ended at 5am.
And Spanish women’s football union president Amanda Guitteriez was among the officials involved in discussions.
Two of the 23 aces called up by head coach Montse Tome before the team’s Women’s Nations League matches left the camp on Wednesday morning.
Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro departed group before the games against Sweden on Friday and Switzerland next Tuesday.
The Barcelona stars were among 39 players who had stood down from duty this month after sharing a collective written statement flagging their concerns.
The statement’s included a call for a restructuring of the RFEF and and its organisation of women’s football.
After leaving Spain’s camp Leon said: “The situation is different for me and Patri.
“It’s not been the right way for us to return. We’re not in a place to be told: ‘Now you’re coming back.’
“It’s a process. We’re happy changes are happening but we need time. We support our team-mates, as we have done until now.”
Patri added: “These changes are being worked on and it is true that they have not happened yet, but work is being done.
“It is quite difficult and hard. Being here, and as everything has happened, mentally you are not able to be there.
“This is our explanation.”
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Of their decision to leave the camp, Francos said: “They have requested to due to personal discomfort.
“I hope that the same respect will be given to those who stay as for those who do not.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
