Jenni Hermoso: Spain players say they remain on strike despite call-ups as forward not included in squad

A group of 20 players from Spain’s national team are still on strike, even after being invited to join the new head coach Montserrat Tome’s first squad. Jenni Hermoso, a member of the Spain Women’s World Cup-winning squad, is among the eight players who are absent. Tome explained that Hermoso was left out of the squad for her own “protection.”

The Spain players are still on strike even though they were summoned for the women’s national team on Monday.

Fifteen champions of the World Cup were added to the team for the matches in the Nations League against Sweden and Switzerland, even though they had originally planned to not participate in international games.

A total of 81 players, including the entire World Cup squad, declared three weeks ago that they would refuse to play for Spain as long as Luis Rubiales remained the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF). This was due to his conduct during the final match.

Rubiales sparked controversy by kissing Jenni Hermoso, a midfielder who was not selected for the latest squad, on the lips during the medal ceremony after the team’s 1-0 win over England. Hermoso claims she did not give her consent for the kiss.

Rubiales resigned recently due to mounting pressure, however, 39 players, including 21 World Cup winners, have stated that his resignation alone is not sufficient for them to resume national team duties.

The players feel it is not safe to return and believe there are bigger issues at the RFEF than just Rubiales.

However, some players who promised not to participate were still included in the squad by the new coach, Montse Tome. She explained that Hermoso was left out to ensure her safety.

The players said again on Monday that their “statements are still true”.

The players have expressed concern about being included in a list despite their request to be excluded. They will also explore the potential legal consequences that the RFEF may face as a result.

Spain’s new head coach, Tome, stated that they still rely on Hermoso, even though she was not included in the first squad after winning the World Cup.

“We stand with Jenni,” she told a press conference. “We believe that the best way to protect her is like this, but we are counting on Jenni.

“It’s the start of a new phase, the clock is ticking. There is nothing behind us and we really want to connect with these players.”

Rubiales has been banned from going near Hermoso because of a complaint of assault, which he denies.

Tome was supposed to announce her squad on Friday, but she had to delay it.

Barcelona’s Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, who were not chosen for Spain’s World Cup team after signing a letter protesting against former coach Jorge Vilda – who was fired due to Rubiales’ actions – have now been included in the latest squad.