- Argentina women’s team in crisis
- Three players pulled out over repeated injustices
- Estefanía Banini lent her support to the rebels
WHAT HAPPENED?
Goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros, defender Julieta Cruz, and midfielder Lorena Benítez announced on their respective social media handles that they were pulling out of the national team ahead of two international friendlies scheduled against Costa Rica. The players expressed their frustrations over what they describe as ongoing injustices, lack of recognition, and humiliating treatment by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
WHAT CRUZ SAID
“We reached a point in which we are tired of the injustices, of not being valued, not being heard and, even worse, being humiliated,” Cruz wrote on Instagram.
“We need improvements for Argentina’s women’s soccer national team, and I am not only talking about finances. I speak about training, having lunch, breakfast.”
Whereas, goalkeeper Oliveros wrote on Instagram: “With a broken heart and thousands of dreams disappearing little by little. May the next generations enjoy and be happy running after the football, as we were some time ago.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Both Cruz and Benítez detailed specific grievances regarding the inadequate provisions during training sessions. They mentioned receiving just a ham and cheese sandwich and a banana as meals during their rigorous training camps, which they argue is insufficient for high-performance athletes. Moreover, the players highlighted the AFA’s decision not to compensate them for the friendly matches against Costa Rica simply because the games were being held in Buenos Aires. Benítez also pointed out another troubling aspect: their family members have been asked to pay 5,000 pesos ($5) for entry tickets to the stadium for the two matches.
DID YOU KNOW?
Estefanía Banini, who herself withdrew from the national team last year, citing similar issues, voiced her support and said: “A matter of time. Thanks for being willing to speak about it.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?
The Argentine Football Association has not issued any comments regarding the players’ decisions to leave the squad. The silence from the AFA has only fueled further speculation and concern about the internal issues plaguing the women’s team. As the nation continues to celebrate its men’s World Cup successes, it is imperative that equal attention and resources are dedicated to uplifting the women’s game, ensuring that future generations can compete on a level playing field and pursue their dreams without facing the injustices experienced by their predecessors.
