September 22 – The decision by Spain’s women players to terminate their boycott should be a “turning point” in her country for society as well as sport, says two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
Most of the players ended their refusal to play for the national team after reaching agreement with the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Wednesday for structural reform.
One month after the eruption of the infamous ‘kissgate’ scandal, Alexia, who goes by her first name in Spain, said the deal reached with the federation would lead to genuine change.
“I believe that the meeting of the other day will mark a before and after. I truly believe that the agreement we reached after the meeting that lasted all night will make our sport, women’s sports in general and as a consequence, society at large better.”
Alexia spoke at a news conference in Gothenburg on the eve of Spain’s Nations League game against Sweden.
Today’s game is Spain’s first since they won the Women’s World Cup as well as having to deal with the fallout that erupted immediately afterwards and led to the resignation of Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the World Cup awards ceremony.
Alexia said she felt confident that real change was on the way following the creation of an oversight committee made up of players, federation officials and government representatives.
“If this make it easier for women to see the example of what happened to our teammate, then it has been worth it. After all that we have suffered, and Jenni who has has suffered most of all.”
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