Prior to Nations League games, Spain players agree to halt their boycott

According to Victor Francos, secretary of state for sports, the majority of the Spain team has consented to halt their boycott.

After more than seven hours of negotiations, the deal was struck on Wednesday at 5:00 local time.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), according to Francos, has pledged to make “immediate and profound changes.”

Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, two of the 23 players selected for this month’s Nations League matches, have withdrawn from the team.

Following Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final on August 20, the remaining players started the boycott after former RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso.

Rubiales resigned and Jorge Vilda was fired as manager of Spain as a result of the kiss, which Hermoso said was not voluntary.

On Friday, Sweden will host Spain, and on Tuesday, Switzerland will host Spain.

Francos, the director of Spain’s national sports organisation (CSD), said: “It is good news to be able to say that the team will play the next two games with guarantees.”

He said that a decision was made after “friendly” discussions in Valencia with the players, RFEF representatives, CSD, and women’s players’ organisation Futpro.

To monitor the agreements, which will be signed tomorrow, a joint committee comprising the RFEF, CSD, and players will be established, according to Francos.

The RFEF has pledged to implement these improvements right away after hearing the players’ concerns regarding the need for significant reforms.

Francos proclaimed that Guijarro and Leon’s action was “absolutely respectable” and that they would not be subject to punishment. For failing to show up for international duty, the players may have been penalised or suspended from the Spain team.

Leon and Guijarro were two of 15 players to abandon the national squad prior to the World Cup in opposition to Vilda’s coaching style at the time. At the competition in Australia and New Zealand this summer, they weren’t involved.

It is a fact that my situation and Patri’s situation are distinct from those of the other of our team members, Leon stated.

“We already knew that returning in this manner was improper, and we are also not in the proper frame of mind.

“We are happy because it’s true that changes are being made, and in this, we’re supporting our teammates wholeheartedly,”

It’s true that the circumstances are different, but they are still working on the adjustments, and we are, of course, with our teammates.

“It’s quite challenging and very demanding. Mentally, we don’t belong here.

BBC