Most of the players on Spain’s women’s World Cup-champion national soccer team said Friday that they will not return to the squad as they continue to press for change from the country’s soccer federation.
Spanish soccer has been in turmoil in the aftermath of the country’s World Cup victory about a month ago. Luis Rubiales, Spain’s former federation president, kissed a player, Jenni Hermoso, during the post-match World Cup trophy ceremony, an incident that prompted widespread outrage. Rubiales initially refused to step down from his post, but has since resigned. The kiss is now part of a criminal investigation being carried out by Spain’s High National Court, and prosecutors have formally accused Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion.