Spanish Players Union [AFE] The Royal Spanish Football Federation accused [RFEF] Underestimating the value of the women’s match, considering that Barcelona was a “victim of clear discrimination” after winning the Super Cup.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) was criticized on Sunday for the awards ceremony after Barcelona beat Real Sociedad 3-0 in the Spanish Super Cup final. Captain Marta Torrejon collected the trophy from the stands alone, while her teammates collected their medals from a fieldside box.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Spanish Football Federation said it had used the same protocol in the men’s game previously, but the federation said the federation does not promote equality in women’s sport.
“The Barcelona and Real Sociedad players were undervalued when collecting their medals,” a statement from the FA read. “UEFA did not recognize the finalists as they deserved. A few days ago, in Saudi Arabia, they did not recognize the finalists.” [male counterparts] They were honored and deserved with the President of the Federation presenting the medals on the field after the Men’s Super Cup.
Barcelona and Real Sociedad [women] Did not receive the same treatment. They are the victims of clear discrimination, leaving an unfortunate image that cannot be replicated.
“The Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Supreme Council for Sport cannot and should not ignore these types of events when a new law is passed [Ley del Deporte] – endorsed by the Ministry of Education – includes essential components for the promotion of equality between men and women.
And the Spanish Football Federation statement said, on Sunday, that the same protocol was applied in the King’s Cup final last season between Real Betis and Valencia, as well as in the 2022 Women’s Super Cup final.
After the fallout continued throughout Monday, another comment was posted on social media dismissing the discrimination accusations.
“We regret the controversy that has arisen,” the federation said. “We can confirm that there is no discrimination or different treatment between the sexes. In last season’s Copa finals, the women got their medals, but the men didn’t.
“These decisions are based on the specifics of the pitches used and the security of the venue. There is always room for reflection and improvement. We are the first to look for excellence in Spanish football, both in the men’s and women’s game.”
The Spanish Football Federation is also in dispute with 15 members of the women’s national team, who have said they do not wish to be selected until serious changes are made to the current setup.
In an email, the players, who have not played for their country since September, explained that the representation of Spain in the environment was affecting their health and emotional state and that they had no intention of returning until a solution was found.