What is the controversy with the Spanish ladies team? Why did Spanish players refuse to play in World Cup?

The major controversy in the Spanish ladies team is the reported unfair treatment of the players by coach Jorge Vilda who has managed the team since 2015.

Vilda had reportedly set a rule until 2019 stating that “players could not lock their hotel rooms until midnight while on international duty.”

Why did Spanish players refuse to play in World Cup?

The Spain Women’s team had initially declined to play in the World Cup because of incessant complaints bordering on “unsatisfactory training methods, treatment of players and inadequate facilities.”

Other complaints include “late preparation for matches, arriving at host cities too late and making lengthy journeys by bus rather than by air.”

This led to some players leaving the national team, but since the Federation stood by Vilda, he did not resign.

Eventually, only three players returned to the team and participated in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Spain became “world champions of the finals.”

The federation had showed strong backings to coach Vilda from the onset.

Vilda who has successfully coached the Spain women’s U-17 and U-19 teams and helped them win a European Championship title, suffered a severe backlash from the public.

These however do not negate the fact that the team made remarkable performances in international competitions under his management.