Spain players agree to end boycott before Nations League games

Most of the Spain team have agreed to end their boycott, according to Victor Francos, the secretary of state for sports. The agreement was reached at 05:00 local time on Wednesday after more than seven hours of meetings.

Francos stated that the Spanish football federation (RFEF) had committed to making "immediate and profound changes." Two of the 23 players originally named in the squad for this month's Nations League games - Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro - have left the squad.

The boycott began after then RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso following Spain's victory over England in the Women's World Cup final on 20 August. Hermoso, who said the kiss was not consensual, led to Rubiales' resignation and the sacking of Spain manager Jorge Vilda.

Spain is scheduled to play against Sweden on Friday and Switzerland on Tuesday.

Francos, who heads the Spanish government's national sports agency (CSD), expressed that it's "good news to be able to say that the team will play the next two games with guarantees."

He mentioned that a decision was reached following "friendly" talks in Valencia involving the players, RFEF officials, CSD, and the women's players' union Futpro. A joint commission will be established between RFEF, CSD, and players to monitor the agreements, which will be signed shortly.

Francos assured that Leon and Guijarro would not face sanctions, and their decision was "absolutely respectable." They could have faced fines or a ban from the Spain side for not reporting for international duty.

Leon and Guijarro were among 15 players who boycotted the national team before the World Cup due to their disagreements with then-coach Vilda's methods. They were not part of this summer's tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

New head coach Montse Tome selected 15 players who were part of the World Cup squad for the Nations League games. However, the players published a statement stating that the boycott remained in place and that they intended to explore potential legal implications of being called up against their wishes.

The CSD announced the establishment of a commission to oversee the agreed-upon changes, focusing on equality policies, equal pay advances, and improvements to women's sports infrastructure.

Amanda Gutierrez, Futpro's president, described the players' decision to stay as a "rapprochement of positions" and the beginning of a long journey ahead.

The Spain players have already traveled to the training camp in Valencia. When asked about the situation, midfielder Alexia Putellas expressed her discontent.

Luis Rubiales has been banned from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters after she filed a legal complaint. During his first court appearance, Rubiales denied the allegations of sexual assault.

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