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Spain players have reiterated that they are boycotting the women\u2019s national side despite being called up to the latest squad.<\/p>\n
Fifteen members of the team that won the World Cup last month have been included in a squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures.<\/p>\n
A group of 81 players boycotted the national team after then Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso following last month\u2019s final.<\/p>\n
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The fallout led to Rubiales resigning.<\/p>\n
On Friday, 39 players \u2013 including 21 of the 23 World Cup winners \u2013\u00a0said their strike would continue\u00a0until further changes were made and that they did not yet \u201cfeel in a safe place\u201d.<\/p>\n
Two-time Ballon d\u2019Or winner Alexia Putellas was among the 15 players called up who were part of the triumphant squad in Australia and New Zealand. However, Hermoso was left out.<\/p>\n
The players later published a statement, issued by Futpro, stressing the boycott remains in place and expressing their regret that they were again \u201cput in a position in which we never wanted to be in\u201d.<\/p>\n
They added that they intended to explore the potential legal implications of being called up against their wishes, saying: \u201cWe will study the possible legal consequences to which the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) exposes us by putting us on a list from which we had asked not to be called for reasons already explained publicly and in more detail to the RFEF, and with this make the best decision for our future and for our health.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was the first squad announcement by new coach Montse Tome, who replaced Jorge Vilda \u2013 considered a close ally of Rubiales \u2013 after he was sacked earlier this month.<\/p>\n
Tome, who was Vilda\u2019s assistant manager, has become the first woman to hold the position of Spain women\u2019s boss.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Monday, the RFEF had urged striking players to return to the national team. The organisation\u00a0previously said\u00a0the players have \u201can obligation\u201d to play if selected.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe stand with Jenni,\u201d Tome said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that the best way to protect her is like this, but we are counting on Jenni.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barcelona duo Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro \u2013 who were not included in Spain\u2019s World Cup squad after signing an open letter against then-coach Vilda \u2013 were also named in Tome\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the start of a new phase, the clock is ticking,\u201d said Tome.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is nothing behind us and we really want to connect with these players.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Friday, the 39 players boycotting the national team released a statement saying they would not return until further conditions were met, including reshaping certain departments within the RFEF, adding that they did not yet \u201cfeel in a safe place\u201d.<\/p>\n
The RFEF responded by expressing its commitment to change being made \u201cto restore the functioning of the entity\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Spanish government also assured players that changes will be made and there will be a greater representation of women in the federation.<\/p>\n
Rubiales\u00a0has been banned\u00a0from going within 200m of Hermoso, who has said the kiss was not consensual after the 33-year-old filed a legal complaint.<\/p>\n
Appearing in court for the first time last Friday, Rubiales denied sexually assaulting Hermoso.<\/p>\n
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