The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed on Thursday night that 15 women's players including Manchester United forward Lucia Garcia, Atletico Madrid defender Ainhoa Vicente among others have announced their intention to resign from the national team.
The Spanish women's players have reportedly sent unanimous resignation emails each, where they wanted the RFEF to sack women's head coach Jorge Vilda as it ' significantly affected their emotional state and health'.
On receiving the emails, the Spanish FA has responded by saying the players would not feature for their country until they 'have recognised their error and mistake'.
The Spanish FA stated, "The RFEF is not going to allow the players to question the continuity of the national coach and his coaching staff, since making those decisions does not fall within their powers. The Federation will not admit any type of pressure from any player when adopting sports measures. These types of manoeuvres are far from exemplary and outside the values of football and sport and are harmful."
The RFEF added, "In accordance with current Spanish legislation, not attending a national team call is classified as a very serious infraction and can carry sanctions of between two and five years of disqualification."
According to DAZN’s Alex Ibaceta, the 15 Spanish women's players include Ainhoa Vicente, Patri Guijarro, Sandra Paños, Amaiur Sarriegui, Leila Ouahabi, Lucia García, Mapi León, Ona Batlle, Laia Alexandri, Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Lola Gallardo, Nerea Izaguirre, Andrea Pereira.