Mass exit from the national team!
Something like this has probably never happened before: 15 players announced their retirement from the Spanish national team at the same time.
As confirmed by the Spanish Football Federation, the players informed the RFEF of their decision by identical emails on Thursday.
The players justify the step by saying that they feel their mental health and “emotional state” is being negatively affected by coach Jorge Vilda (41). They also said they would not return to the team until the coach resigned.
However: The association intends not to give in to the demands of the players.
A statement said the players “will not be allowed to question the continuity of the national team coach and his coaching staff, as such decisions are not their responsibility.”
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The 15 emails are “an unprecedented situation in the history of football, for both men and women, in Spain and worldwide”.
Reporter Alex Ibaceta talks to the 15 players including Ainhoa Vicente, Patri Guijarro, Sandra Paños, Amaiur Sarriegui, Leila Ouahabi, Lucia Garcia, Mapi Leon, Ona Batlle, Laia Aleixandri, Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Lola Gallardo, Nerea Izaguirre and Andrea Pereira. The recently released world footballer Alexia Putellas wouldn’t be there either.
Now the national team is to be filled with youth players. A return of the retired players is only possible if they realize their mistake and apologize. The next international match is on October 11, when the USA are the opponents.
