15 players have decided to leave the Spanish women’s national football team due to disagreements with the coach, and the National Football Association has declared its support for the latter.

According to a statement released by the Spanish Federation, each of the players at half-time sent the same email claiming that the situation around the national team was “seriously” affecting their “emotional state” and “health”.

And Spanish media have reported in recent weeks that a number of players want coach Jorge Velda to leave.

On the other hand, the local federation confirmed that it would not allow “players to question the succession of the national coach and his technical staff, since such decisions are not within their competence.”

He added, condemning what happened: “We will not invite players who do not want to wear the Spanish shirt. The federation will only attract enthusiasts, even if it means playing with young women.”

He continued: “This is an unprecedented situation in the history of football, whether for men or women, in Spain or worldwide.”

And Spanish radio Cope reported that players calling for the departure of the coach include Barcelona players Patri Guigaro, Mabe Leon, Sandra Banos, Aitana Ponmatti, Claudia Peña and Mario Caldente.

The list of opponents also includes Manchester United’s Una Bateti and Lucia Garcia, as well as Manchester City players Layla Awahabi and Laya Alexandri.