Spain are among the favourites to win this year’s Women’s World Cup, but their preparations have been hampered by an internal dispute.
Ellen White will be sad to see several talented Spanish players miss the Women’s World Cup due to a dispute with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and head coach Jorge Vilda.
Last September, 15 Spanish players pledged to quit the national team if Vilda was not released, claiming his tenure had a negative impact on their “emotional state”.
The RFEF stood by Vilda, who has coached La Roja since 2015, but has failed to make the side’s last eight of three major tournaments and only three of the players involved in the dispute made the trip to Australia and New Zealand.
Barcelona duo Marion Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati – as well as Manchester United’s Ona Batlle – have been recalled by Vilda, but 12 others remain frozen.
Speaking at the launch of Pixel FC, a collective of dedicated women’s football creators who are helping to close the visibility gap in women’s football, White bemoaned their absence and said the conditions of female players needed to be discussed.
“I think it’s important to have these conversations,” said the England record holder. “I can’t say which side I would be on because I’m not 100 percent sure about everything, but I think it’s really important.
“To be honest, it’s really sad that we don’t have some of the best players in the world playing for their nation, for many different reasons.
“I think it’s really sad. At the World Cup, you’re supposed to see the best players on display, so I’m really disappointed and sad for them.”
“Hopefully, with time and conversations, these complaints will be heard and they will be able to continue playing for their country in the way they want to play.”
France were also affected by a player revolt earlier this year, with the withdrawal of captain Wendie Renard influencing Les Bleues’ decision to part ways with coach Corrin Diacre.
Former Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard has since taken over and recalled the Lyon defender, and White hopes the move has had the desired effect on the France squad.
“Well, they’ve obviously brought in a new manager now so I hope that’s given the team a lift and more excitement,” she said.
“These conversations have to happen for change to happen, and I hope they continue to push for the change they want.
“But a new manager has come in and players who originally said they wouldn’t join the team have now joined the team so I hope it’s going in the right direction.
“I can’t speak for the players, but I hope they feel comfortable enough to play for their nation and that the conversations are really important.”
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