The agreements reached between Spain players, the government and the RFEF

Víctor Francos, president of the CSD, was the visible face alongside Rafael del Amo, vice-president of the RFEF, after a meeting lasting more than seven hours which ended at around 4.30am with a final verdict: 21 of Spain's 23 players will remain with the squad after positive talks. Just two will leave the camp.

In his appearance in front of the media, Francos gave all the details of the meeting with the players and the agreements that have been reached after much effort. 

"We have had several meetings with the players, meetings that have been very cordial, in which there has been an absolutely friendly tone, constructive will at all times. The players have been able to speak with absolute freedom, as has the government, as has the federation," he began. 

The conclusions

"I would like to inform you of the first issue, which is that we have reached a series of agreements that tomorrow will be drawn up and signed by the federation and the CSD, together with a very specific agreement: the constitution of a mixed and tripartite commission between the three parties (CSD, federation and players) to be able to monitor the agreements we have reached and which have to do with different aspects," she said. 

"Essentially, they have to do with the development of the Law of Sport in everything that has to do with gender equality policies, making progress in wage equality, making progress in equality in the quality of infrastructures for sport and, in this case, for women's football.

"Obviously, I don't want to deceive you and I want to be very honest with you. The players have also expressed their concern about the need to make changes in the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the federation is committed to making these changes happen immediately."

Two players leave

Francos continued: "From here on, with regard to the squad and the training camp, of the 23 players called up, two players have requested, for reasons of lack of morale and personal discomfort and, therefore, absolutely respectable, the possibility of abandoning the training camp.

"As has been reported in the media, and this is not new, the CSD and the federation together with the national coach have agreed that the formula does not involve sanctions.

"The good news we have to tell the public is that 21 players have already shown their willingness to stay. The players are in a complicated moment and I think it is good news to be able to say that the national team will play the two matches with guarantees and, hopefully, with victories.

"There are two players who don't feel up to it and don't feel strong enough. I want there to be the same respect for each of them. We have a great team, who are world champions, and we have to have respect all the players in our country. 

"We've had some very honest conversations. I thanked them for the sincerity with which they spoke to us. They also thanked us for the meeting because they were able to express themselves calmly. The first thing they have been told, the first thing, has been: whoever is not comfortable, does not feel strong enough, should know that neither the federation nor the CSD will sanction them [for leaving]."