Spain government says football federation is making ‘a fool’ of country

• Sports secretary intervenes over call-ups for boycotting players
• Jenni Hermoso says decision is proof ‘nothing has changed’

The Spanish government has heavily criticised the country’s football federation over its handling of the boycott launched by top female players. The governing body was accused of making “a fool” of the country as footage emerged appearing to show a number of the players stony-faced as they boarded a bus for the training camp.

The fresh turmoil came after the team’s new coach, Montse Tomé, ignored their decision not to play until major changes are made. Instead, she called up most of the World Cup-winning squad.