(Football news) In a shock turn of events there is a lot of trouble in the Spanish Women's football team camp. RFEF, which is Spanish football's governing body, has released a statement in which they confirmed 15 players have formally refused to play under manager Jorge Vilda. The players all sent the exact same emails which said that the players had been emotionally and mentally affected during Vilda's tenure. The players are reportedly not happy with the manager's team selection, training sessions and his way to handle injuries. Reports in Spain claim that players had asked Vilda to resign from his position which the manager didn't do. Now there will be a massive problem in the Spain's women's camp who have been one of the best European teams in the world.

Jorge Vilda, who was a youth player for both Real Madrid and Barcelona entered management in womens football very early in his life. He was the assistant manager of Spain U-19 women between 2009-13 and at the same time he was also the manager of Spain U-17 women. He later became the manager of the U-19 women's team in 2014–2015 before getting the senior team job in 2015. Vilda has been the Spain women's team manager for 7 years now and under him the team has won Algarve Cup in 2017 and Cyprus Cup in 2018. Spain have been favourites to win the big tournament but have never managed to win one. He has been nominated for FIFA Coach of the Year for Women's Football twice in 2011 and 2014. 

At the Women's Euros earlier this year, Spain were the pre tournament favourites but were knocked out by eventual winners England in the quarter finals. The step taken by the 15 players was in a hope that the federation will change the coach and get someone new in. The players who resigned were Ainhoa Vicente Moraza, Patri Guijarro, Leila Ouahabi, Lucia Garcia, Mapi Leon, Ona Batlle, Laia Aleixandri, Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati, Andrea Pereira, Mariona Caldentey, Sandra Panos, Lola Gallardo, Nerea Eizaguirre and Amaiur Sarriegi.

Talisman Alexia Putellas was not in the list despite her Barcelona teammates being there. No Real Madrid players were in that list nor was captain Irene Paredes. RFEF's statement post the resignation was very blunt in which they called the resignations a question of dignity as playing for Spain should be non-negotiable. The federation also said that such an incident has never happened in the history of football. They also said that they will not allow the players to put pressure on them just because the coach's decision does not fall within their competences. The federation also said that the 15 players will not be called up to the squad if they don't admit their mistake and apologise for it, even if it means they have to play with youth players.

Even though Alexia Putellas has not resigned, her club FC Barcelona had a problem with the federation as they believe that the national team's way of handling their star player had caused her recent long term injury. According to reports, Barcelona camp didn't like the fact that Spain played Putellas all the time even in friendlies which meant that she had no rest. If as many as 15 players have a problem with the coach then there surely needs to be a discussion. At the same time RFEF isn't completely wrong in backing the manager who has been working there for a long time. The fact that Vilda himself refused to resign shows that he is very determined to continue his job. 

The players who have not resigned will also be questioned as to why they didn't. It is either because they agree with the 15 players but don't want to be a part of the conflict or it is because they are siding with their manager. If it is the latter than even if the 15 players are in the majority, it doesn't mean that they are right. There have been plenty of instances in the past where players who have had a problem with the international setup across the world have continued playing just to represent their country. Vilda has been coaching different levels of Spain women for nearly 12 years now and this is the first time there has been any conflict. The conflict is not even small but it is a straight out mass mutiny.

Changing the coach is definitely not upto the players, especially when playing for their country. Contrary to club football, international football is something which is a matter of massive pride for any player. 15 players resigning which is just blackmailing at this point just because they don't agree with the coach's method is definitely a bad sign. Even if the manager is replaced the next one will have to be a yes man of the players which isn't how a team is supposed to work. The RFEF at least till now is very firm on their decision. Spain's next match is on October 8th before which there will definitely be some more statements that will come forward but there will definitely be some changes in the Spain women's team.

Also read: How Fede Valverde has elevated his game to another level this season