Two Spanish FA leaders ‘will sue their World Cup winners for defamation and pressuring officials to fire them’ after stars refused to return to action until other changes are made to the crisis-hit federation.

Members of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are set to take legal action against 39 players who refused to return to the team, according to reports from Spain.

With the association embroiled in the ‘kiss-gate’ scandal that dominated Spanish football last month, the Women’s World Cup winning team were joined by 16 other players signing a declaration that they would not return unless changes are made.

Their statement – which two players ultimately withdrew from – called for changes by the RFEF as the team did not “feel safe” or “respected” by the La Roja outfit.

This comes despite Luis Rubiales – who was seen kissing Jenni Hermoso – announcing his resignation, although he still pleads his innocence as he fights accusations of sexual assault and coercion.

RFEF leaders are now reportedly filing a complaint against the players, accusing them of defamation and coercion.

Former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales resigned in early September amid intense scrutiny.

39 players – including all 23 World Cup winners – have signed a statement calling for changes within the FA

Sports World reports that the RFEF requested the establishment of a list of executives against whom the team targets its complaints.

However, the potential counterclaim could impact this list, with players potentially less likely to come forward with the specific targets of their complaints if they fear a complaint will be made against them in response.

The directors and managers in question are preparing to argue that the crimes with which they are accused never took place and that the 39 actors are putting pressure on the RFEF to dismiss certain members of staff.

It is believed a letter was sent to RFEF acting president Pedro Rocha informing him of the threat of a counterclaim. It was in this letter that the warning of legal proceedings would have come.

New manager Montse Tome was due to announce her squad for the upcoming inaugural edition of the UEFA Women’s Nations League, but this has been postponed until further notice.

The statement, signed by 39 players, was made on Friday after reports warned the World Cup winners would refuse their team’s call-ups until changes were made.

“The changes being made are not enough for players to feel safe, where women are respected, where there is support for women’s football and where we can maximize our potential,” we read in this press release.

“The players of the Spanish team have always been open to dialogue, seeking to express the clear and argued reasons that we believe are necessary to be able to carry out our work at the highest level with the respect we deserve.

This comes after Rubiales sparked outrage after forcibly kissing striker Jenni Hermoso (left) at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

A statement signed by 39 Spanish players expressed their feelings about the changes made so far – saying they still do not feel “safe” or “respected” by the RFEF.

“The changes specified to the RFEF are based on zero tolerance towards people who, from a position within the RFEF, have engaged in, instigated, hidden or applauded attitudes that go against the dignity of women.

“We firmly believe that profound changes are necessary in the management positions of the RFEF and in particular in the field of women’s football.

“We want to end this statement by affirming that the players of the Spanish team are professionals and that what fills us most with pride is wearing the jersey of our national team and leading our country to the highest positions.”

“We believe it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in football or in society, that the current structure needs changes and we are doing it so that the next generations can have equality in football and at the level that we all deserve.