This Monday marked a historic milestone for women’s football as the first professional league took a decisive step toward becoming a reality next season. The higher Sports Council’s approval of the competition’s governing statutes has solidified this groundbreaking advancement, leaving no room for reversal.
The newly named Primera Iberdrola will now stand alongside Spain’s First and Second men’s football divisions and the Liga ACB basketball league as a fully professional sports league.This achievement is hailed by the government as a critically important national initiative, reflecting the country’s commitment to advancing women’s sports.
Jose Manuel Franco, president of the CSD, emphasized this sentiment during a high-profile event. As reported by ‘El Periódico de España’, a publication within the same media group as this newspaper, the gathering brought together key figures in Spanish women’s football to celebrate this pivotal moment.
A Gathering of Influential Voices
The CSD headquarters hosted a diverse assembly of stakeholders, including RFEF president Luis Rubiales, union leaders Amanda Gutierrez (FootPro) and David Aganzo (AFE), and Ruben Alcaine of the Association of Women’s Soccer Clubs. Club representatives such as Aitor Elizegi (athletic), Quico Catalan (Raise), and Alfonso Fernandez de Troconiz (Alavés) were also present, alongside members of Congress and the Senate, underscoring the widespread support for this initiative.
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Soccer players have once again taken center stage in this groundbreaking achievement. while Barcelona celebrated their league championship victory this Sunday, nearly every club was represented, with notable voices like Martha Car from Valencia and Sheila Elorza from Eibar leading the charge. “this is a historic moment,” they emphasized. “We’ve dedicated years to this fight, and we hope this milestone paves the way for other underrepresented sports to gain recognition and support.”
The unanimous approval of these statutes by the CSD Board of Directors marks the culmination of nine months of intense negotiations. Clubs,alongside the CSD and RFEF,worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s soccer league from a statement of intent to a fully professional competition. This milestone reflects a collective commitment to progress and equality in sports.
The journey doesn’t end here. In the coming weeks, the league will formally establish its structure, including the election of a board of directors and the drafting of a coordination agreement with the RFEF.While the RFEF continues to oversee the competition during this transitional season, these steps lay the foundation for a more independent and robust league.
Addressing a “Historic Debt”
“This marks a pivotal moment not only for women’s football but for all of Spanish women’s sports,” stated franco, emphasizing that this Monday represents “a long-overdue acknowledgment of Spain’s female athletes, who have earned this recognition.”
The CSD president further underscored the Government’s dedication to this initiative, allocating €31 million from European Funds to enhance club facilities. “This investment ensures that players can maximize their abilities in the best possible surroundings,” he added.
Rubiales,on her part,pledged the RFEF’s unwavering support for the new women’s league,emphasizing “a commitment to integrity and accountability.” she also stressed that adherence to the rules set by the RFEF, UEFA, and FIFA is non-negotiable, a pointed reminder to clubs less aligned with the federation as they navigate the upcoming coordination agreement.
“We bear a significant duty, not just to women’s football but to the future of all women’s sports,” said Lola Romero, CEO of female athletic, speaking on behalf of all clubs. “I urge unity and accountability to demonstrate the value of this endeavor. From today onward,we must prove that this effort has been worthwhile.”
Historic Milestone Achieved: Spain Launches Its First Professional Women’s Football League
this Monday, Spain took a monumental step forward in the realm of women’s sports with the official approval of the governing statutes for the country’s first professional women’s football league. Slated to begin next season, this groundbreaking growth solidifies Spain’s commitment to advancing gender equality in sports and places women’s football on par with some of the nation’s most prestigious athletic competitions. The newly named Primera Iberdrola will now stand alongside Spain’s First and Second men’s football divisions and the Liga ACB basketball league as a fully professional sports competition.
The proclamation, made by the Higher Sports Council (CSD), has been hailed as a national initiative of critical importance. Jose manuel Franco, president of the CSD, emphasized the significance of this achievement during a high-profile event at the CSD headquarters. As reported by El Periódico de España, the gathering brought together key figures in Spanish women’s football, including Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), union leaders Amanda Gutiérrez (FootPro) and David Aganzo (AFE), and ruben alcaine of the association of Women’s Soccer Clubs. club representatives such as Aitor Elizegi (Athletic Club), Quico Catalán (levante), and Alfonso Fernández de Trocóniz (Alavés) were also in attendance, alongside members of Congress and the Senate, underscoring the widespread support for this initiative.
A Gathering of Influential voices
The event at the CSD headquarters was not just a celebration but a testament to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across Spanish football. The presence of such prominent figures highlights the collective push for progress in women’s sports. Luis rubiales articulated the importance of this milestone, stating, “This is a historic moment that reflects the hard work and dedication of countless individuals who have fought tirelessly to elevate women’s football to its rightful place.”
Players, too, were at the forefront of this achievement. Marta Car from Valencia and Sheila Elorza from Eibar, two prominent voices in the league, expressed their elation. “This is a historic moment,” they emphasized. “We’ve dedicated years to this fight, and we hope this milestone paves the way for other underrepresented sports to gain recognition and support.” Their sentiments were echoed by Miquel Iceta Llorens, who took to Twitter to applaud the CSD and the clubs for their efforts, stating, “I applaud the Higher Sports Council and the clubs for this critically important step forward, which benefits everyone.Here’s to the continued progress of women in sports!”
A Triumph of Collaboration and Persistence
The unanimous approval of the league’s statutes by the CSD Board of Directors marks the culmination of nine months of intense negotiations. Clubs, alongside the CSD and RFEF, worked diligently to establish a framework that ensures the professionalization of women’s football in Spain. This achievement reflects not only the growing popularity of women’s football but also the increasing recognition of its potential to inspire future generations of female athletes.
as the Primera Iberdrola prepares to kick off its inaugural professional season, the implications of this milestone extend far beyond the pitch. It represents a significant stride toward gender equality in sports, a testament to the power of collective action, and a beacon of hope for other underrepresented sports. The road to this achievement has been long and arduous,but as Jose Manuel Franco aptly noted,“This is just the beginning. The future of women’s football in Spain is brighter than ever.”
In a world where women’s sports continue to fight for recognition and resources,Spain’s professional women’s football league stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication,collaboration,and unwavering belief in the power of sport to drive societal change.
