After referee strike, federation strife, Spain’s professional Liga F finally kicks off
After a long-awaited professional league Liga F, Spain’s women”s soccer team is finally playing in it. The season starts in 2022-23. There was a power-grabbing battle between the league and federation authorities. Senior internationals were critical of coach Jorge Vilda and his backroom staff. FC Barcelona signed Keira Walsh from Manchester City on transfer window deadline day.
After a referee strike, federation strife and a delay, Spain's professional Liga F finally kicks off. Reigning champions Barcelona are the defending champions. They signed Lucy Bronce, Geyse Ferreira, Nuria Rábano, Salma Paralluelo and Vicky López in the transfer window. Jennifer Hermoso left, Lieke Martens and Alexia Putellas are injured. Patri Guijarro is the best holding midfielder in Spain. Barca will play Levante Las Planas in their opening match.
There is a big competition for the Champions League tickets in Spain's women's soccer. Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Atlético de Madrid are the main contenders. Atleti has had a busy summer, renovating almost half of its roster. Real is focusing on physical presence and the midfield. Socidad is looking for calm consolidation. It's a fascinating head-to-head. The competition is intense. There are two spots for Champions Leagues in 2020-21 and 2021-22. They are available for eight months. Last year Real won the first one.
After referee strike, federation strife, Spain's professional Liga F finally kicks off. Sevilla FC looks like the most improved team, while Athletic Club, Granadilla Tenerife and Levante UD all suffered painful exits during the summer. Real Betis and Valencia CF have big question marks. Alavés, Villarreal, Madrid CFF and Sporting de Huelva focus on quickly amassing enough points to keep their top-flight status.
The new professional league for women's football in Spain was not ready to start until the last minute. The league's logo and the match ball were not agreed on by the two parties. There was a delay to the start of the season. Every match will be aired on DAZN and streamed via YouTube. Referees are employed by RFEF and they are trying to influence the new league. The referees' current emoluments should get better if the professionalization of women’s football goes as planned. It's the latest episode of a never-ending conflict between the soccer authorities. They are being used by them to assess their power.
