Ozi Indian
Madrid, October 19
The Women’s World Cup-winning player kissed on the lips by the former president of the Spanish soccer federation was called up again by the national team.
Jenni Hermoso was included in coach Montse Tomé’s squad for this month’s Nations League games against Italy and Switzerland.
Hermoso was omitted from the first squad after the World Cup to protect her amid the controversy ignited by Luis Rubiales’ kiss at the awards ceremony, after Spain had lifted the trophy in Australia in August.
“At the time we believed that was the best option for her and for us,” Tomé said. “Now things have improved. She has played more often. It’s the right moment.”
Tomé named the World Cup-winning players in her first squad, even though they had asked not to play until their demands for change were accepted. Some federation officials have since been fired and a joint committee involving players has been created.
The 33-year-old Hermoso, who plays for Mexican club Pachuca, criticized the federation for calling up the World Cup-winning players to the first squad against their wishes. Not responding to a call-up can expose players to a fine or ban.
Patri Guijarro and Mapi León, who decided to leave the squad after being called up the last time, were not in Tomé’s list on Wednesday.
