Spanish FA apologise to their players and SACK general secretary Andreu Camps for what happened after the World Cup, amid the Luis Rubiales kiss-gate scandal… as they outline their desire to ‘start a new chapter’
- The Spanish FA have been mired in crisis ever since they won the World Cup
- They have since committed to major structural changes for the women’s team
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast It’s All Kicking Off!
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have sacked general secretary Andreu Camps and issued an apology for what happened in the aftermath of the World Cup final.
Ever since they won the World Cup last month, it has been a tumultuous and dramatic period for Spanish football after disgraced former president Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations.
Rubiales – who claimed the kiss was consensual – eventually resigned from his position despite initially refusing to do so, although he is battling charges of sexual assault and coercion.
There has been significant drama elsewhere with players announcing a boycott of the national team until structural changes were made, but new boss Montse Tome still called up 15 of the World Cup winners. After crunch talks, all but two of the squad selected for this week’s internationals remained with the team.
The RFEF’s has since committed to a restructure and they have now announced Camps has been removed from his role.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have sacked general secretary Andreu Camps and issued an apology for what happened in the aftermath of the World Cup final
It has been a tumultuous period for Spanish football ever since Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips in the aftermath of their victory over England back in August
In a statement, they revealed the reasons for the decision and said sorry to the players for putting them through ‘unwanted circumstances’, while they particularly addressed an apology to Hermoso due to her being ‘immersed in a situation that she did not create’.
They said: ‘The RFEF is aware of the absolute need to start a new stage and close the institutional crisis that opened after the national team’s victory in the World Cup.
‘We understand that the players need to feel that the federation is their home, a safe environment where they can show their professionalism and sporting quality while displaying the privilege of representing Spain.
‘The steps taken so far by the current leadership of the RFEF have always sought this objective. However, we recognise that until yesterday we have not managed to create a climate of trust with the internationals.’
Reuters also reported how between six and nine senior officials at the RFEF are likely to be sacked or offered the chance to leave their jobs as part of a deal agreed with the players.
It comes after the head of the Spanish government’s national sports agency (CSD) Victor Francos said the RFEF had committed to ‘immediate and profound changes’ after reaching the aforementioned agreement with the players.
This is something that was also reflected in the RFEF’s statement as it continued: ‘During the last few days we have reiterated our public commitment to make structural changes to begin this new, absolutely necessary stage that respects criteria of good governance, transparency and equality.
‘We have accelerated the changes planned by the federation and we have communicated this decision to both the CSD and the international players.
‘Spanish football deserves absolute recognition, and all of us who are part of it must unite to achieve it.’
Other changes that have already been announced include a gender-neutral rebrand of the Spain Women’s team.
The RFEF apologised to Jenni Hermoso for ‘being immersed in a situation she did not create’
They have committed to several changes within the team after crunch talks with players
Meanwhile, controversial former manager Jorge Vilda – who was closely linked to Rubiales and offered a new contract by the 46-year-old shortly before he resigned – was sacked from his role.
When Tome announced her squad on Monday, Hermoso was not included but the new boss insisted this was done with the attacking midfielder’s wellbeing in mind.
‘We are with Jenni and with all the players. As for Jenni, we felt the best way to protect her in this squad was in this way,’ she said.
Spain are set to play Sweden on Friday and Switzerland on Tuesday in the inaugural Women’s Nations League.
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