Mutiny cloud dissipated as Spain thrive without unhappy players

MADRID : Spain are arguably the biggest surprise of the Women's World Cup given the backdrop to their run to the final for the first time was a locker room revolt that robbed them of some of their best players.

In September last year, a large group of players told the Spanish FA (RFEF) they were quitting the national team while long-standing coach Jorge Vilda remained in charge, setting off an earthquake inside what was an already broken changing room.

RFEF President Luis Rubiales received 15 e-mails from 15 players, all written in the first person but saying the same thing, in the same words.

"I inform you that the events that have occurred and the situation that has arisen in the Spanish national team, a situation of which you are aware, are having an important effect on my emotional state and by extension my health," the letter read.

"As a result I do not currently consider myself to be in a condition to be chosen for the national team and I ask not to be called up until the situation is resolved."

Three others, captain Irene Paredes, veteran striker Jennifer Hermoso and twice Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, showed support for their team mates but crucially did not send a letter.

Reports of a divided changing room and of a broken relationship with Vilda had been swirling around the team before and during Euro 2022, intensifying after the heartbreaking loss to England in the quarter-finals.

Players, the reports said, were unhappy with the RFEF's lack of ambition for the women's team as well as with Vilda's training methods which were no longer resonating with the players.

There was never any suggestion of inappropriate behaviour and the campaign was undermined because none of the players came out publicly to explain