BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina women’s national team players said Wednesday they understand why four teammates resigned amid a dispute with the national soccer federation over pay and conditions, but insisted they will seek improvements working internally.
Goalkeeper Laurina Oliveiros, defenders Julieta Cruz and Eliana Stábile and midfielder Lorena Benítez left the team on Monday, ahead of two international friendlies against Costa Rica.
They claimed that the Argentine football federation disrespected them and told them they would not receive expenses for playing the two games against Costa Rica, on Friday and next week.
“We don’t share the path (the four players left the squad), we all fight for the growth of women’s football,” striker Rocío Bueno told reporters after Argentina training at the Argentine national team complex in Ezeiza, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. . “I support everything they ask, but we had to be together and make a joint decision whether to attend or not.”
The four players complained about the post-training meal – ham and cheese sandwich plus banana – and criticized the Argentine federation for not paying expenses related to the two friendlies against Costa Rica because the games will be played in Buenos Aires.
Yamila Rodríguez, striker for Brazil’s Palmeiras, said that her teammates’ decision was due to “a moment of anger, of anger that they experienced internally”.
“I talked about it with them, they understood me, I understood them. We are not against them. We are all teammates,” she said. “But I think they didn’t wait for the (right) moment to speak.”
Bueno and Rodríguez said members of the squad met with Argentine football executives on Monday to express their concerns.
Argentine women’s football became professional in 2019, following a strike led by national team players. Still, there was little improvement in wages and conditions.
“It’s a sad situation,” coach Germán Portanova told the football federation’s social media channel on Tuesday. “I told them I respect the decision. I understand, but we believe the way to do this is different. With dialogue and being in the know we can continue to grow women’s football.”
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