Spain women's World Cup 2023 confirmed squad: Reasons for player boycott

Spain will be aiming to build on their strong recent tournament record as they head to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this month.

La Roja stormed through qualifying, with eight wins from eight games, to finish top of Group B ahead of rivals Scotland and Ukraine.

However, the last 12 months have been dominated by a public breakdown in relations between the squad and Spanish FA (RFEF) amid rumours of frustration over the retention of Jorge Vilda.

After bowing out of Euro 2022 at the quarterfinal stage, key players from within Vilda’s squad wanted changes in the camp, as part of their preparations for the trip Down Under.

MORE: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Which teams have qualified for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand?

Why are Spain players boycotting 2023 Women’s World Cup?

The players involved in the boycott have set out their stance over the situation as focused on a demand for changes and improvements in the RFEF’s relationship with the women’s national team.

Amongst the list of frustrations of the player is legitimate demands of improvements in training methods, game preparation and coaching decisions, on the back of their Euro 2022 exit.

Vilda has found himself in the firing line, despite the rebelling players insisting they have not called for his departure, but insisted the need for an open dialogue would require a rigorous assessment of his performance.

Despite finding themselves as the mediators of the dispute, the RFEF have doubled down in their support of Vilda and his coaching team, in what has become a turning point in Spanish football.

Anger at years of under investment and federation mismanagement have created a stand off with star names irritated at the RFEF’s failure to utilise a World Cup qualification as a chance to back the progress made by Spain’s international players.

Will the boycott remain for the World Cup?

As part of the joint original statement, 15 players outlined their stance to step aside from Spain duty, unless the RFEF agreed to talks over the situation.

The group included several key names, including the support of 2023 Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and captain Irene Parades, in a show of strength.

pic.twitter.com/OwKIr3tWt3

— Alexia Putellas (@alexiaputellas) September 23, 2022

Again RFEF opted for a contrived response, stating they would not allow players to ‘question the continuity of the national coach’, with threats of permanent expulsion from the national team to those involved.

Despite the situation remaining tense, certain players involved in the stand off, including Putellas and Paredes, and their Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmati, have accepted a World Cup call up.

Final Spain squad for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/cSBqFyfmp8

— Rich Laverty (@RichJLaverty) June 30, 2023

However, other players have not returned to the fold, including Manchester City star Leila Ouahabi and midfielder Patricia Guijarro, leaving key holes in Vilda’s team.