The Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced the squad list for the upcoming matches against Belarus and Germany, and forward Jennifer Hermoso was not included in the team.
Her exclusion has been linked to the open letter 20 players, including Hermoso, sent to the federation on June 17 demanding structural reform and better equality in Spanish women’s football. From the 20 players, 11 were included in the squad: Mapi Leon, Ivana Andres, Maria Leon, Andrea Pereira, Irenenavarro, Nahikari Garcia, Alexia Putellas, Virginia Torrecilla, Claudia Pina, Patri Guijarro and Nahikari Barrenetxea.
Given that Hermoso had most recently suffered a hamstring injury, her exclusion from the squad is likely more due to her current fitness level and not as a direct result of her involvement in the letter. However, some have still interpreted her omission as a response to the letter, with many fans and those in the game using the hashtag #ForzaJen on social media in support of the striker.
The RFEF have stated that Hermoso’s exclusion from the squad is based solely on the recommendations of the coaching staff and that the decision was made independently and without prejudice. The federation has also said that the letter from the 20 players was favorably received and that discussions are ongoing with the players concerned.
