On Monday, in advance of the debut of new coach Montse Tome, the Spanish Football Federation urged the 39 striking players to rejoin the women's national team.
The four weeks following Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup have been marred by scandal and unrest due to the forced kiss that former president Luis Rubiales gave midfielder Jenni Hermoso.
After Rubiales declared he would not resign from his position, the entire World Cup team and dozens more athletes went on strike in protest.
The controversial coach Jorge Vilda was fired as a result of the incident, and the 46-year-old eventually resigned after receiving unprecedented criticism. He is currently being sued for sexual assault and coercion after his kiss.
Despite the changes, 39 players, including the majority of the World Cup champions, declared they would not return until other requirements were satisfied, such as restructuring several divisions within the Spanish federation (RFEF).
According to Spanish sources published on Monday, none of the 39 players who are still on strike would be willing to play for the team that Tome will designate at 1430 GMT to face Sweden and Switzerland in the Nations League. Tome will announce the team at 1630 local time.
“Players are urged to join this change led by the federation, understanding that the changes that must continue have to be solid and fair,” said the RFEF, currently led by interim president Pedro Rocha.
The statement appears a last-ditch attempt to lure the players, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, back.
The RFEF said “difficult decisions” had been made in recent days and the process would continue, as the federation itself “is aware of the need to make structural changes”.
“We guarantee a safe environment for the players and we are committed to a climate of mutual trust so that we can work together and ensure that women’s football continues to progress much more strongly,” added the RFEF.
“We must begin to show off the star (on the shirt, to signify the World Cup win) that the internationals have achieved with so much effort.”
