The Minister of Culture and Sports, Miquel Iceta, in relation to the conflict with the players of the women’s team, commented this morning that “fortunately, after a long night that ended at dawn, we can announce that the beginning of the journey to the solution has begun with firm steps”.
“I want to congratulate the players, the Federation and the role that the CSD has played for this, which I do not dare to say is a happy ending, but it is a happy beginning of a path that must lead to what we all want , which is a renewed Spanish Football Federation, with players who feel really motivated and comfortable, happy to play and win, which is what we Spaniards want,” said the minister.
Iceta assured that “we know that the road will not be easy. The Federation is in a moment of transition. The Federation has asked us to advance the celebration of the next assembly and it will probably be in the first quarter of next year and that will already be the definitive point of the renewal of the Federation and the consolidation of a path that has given us many joys and we want to guarantee that it continues to do so in the future.
Asked about layoffs in the Federation, Iceta explained: “The decisions that the Federation has to make will be taken by the Federation, as it should be. I ask for your patience. I don’t think they will be delayed in time. And it will be the Federation that communicates it.”
Regarding the abandonment of the concentration of Mapi León and Patri Guijarro, the minister said: “What I want is to express my respect. What we want is for them to play and win. And if anyone considers, two at this moment, which is not If they have full strength and confidence to play, they have the full right to say so. Thanks to the mediation of the CSD, what we have decided is that in no case will their decision be a cause of sanction, but rather a cause of respect and that as soon as possible they can return fully because “They have been forming a very powerful team. Not all of them always play but they all reflect the best of Spanish sport.”
Miquel Iceta also spoke about the coach, Montse Tomé: “The ministry does not elect coaches or Federation managers. We trust that a principle of trust will be reestablished, because it had been broken. And there must be trust between the players and the Federation and between the players and the technical team, all essential pieces. We are here among other things because our players won the World Cup in Sydney and showed that they are at the top and everything and we want to see them there, playing and winning.”
Iceta was asked if the Federation was going to announce layoffs before Friday and Iceta replied: “I think it will do so, but let the Federation be the one to announce things. There must be respect for the sports structures. No. Under no circumstances do we want the Government’s concern to be seen as undue interference. What we do is stimulate opinions and if we are asked for advice or mediation, we exercise it.”
When asked if Spain has intact options to organize the 2030 World Cup, Iceta answered with a brief “yes.” And he explained: “There has been a social and admirable reaction that matters more than certain gestures. Furthermore, Spain is a world sports power. The possibilities are intact. Yesterday the President of the Government met with the President of FIFA.”
