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Spain women’s league players call off strike after pay deal

Footballers from Spain's women's top flight, Liga F, have called off a strike which postponed the first week of fixtures after an agreement over wages was reached, unions and the league said Thursday.

Spain women's league players call off strike after pay deal
America's Mexican midfielder Casandra Cuevas (R) fights for the ball with Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas #11 during a friendly match between. Photo: CLAUDIO CRUZ/AFP.

“Liga F and the unions have reached an agreement regarding the minimum wage that allows the strike to be called off,” said Liga F in a statement.

Five unions, including AFE and Futpro, called a strike covering the first two rounds of fixtures last week.

“The deal is in regard to the minimum wage, the main cause of the strike — accepted by the players as an act of responsibility to the fans of the sport,” said the unions in a statement.

Liga F has agreed to raise the minimum wage from €16,000 ($17,000) a year to €21,000 ($22,500) in the current season, rising to €23,500 ($25,500) by the 2025-26 campaign.

Players were asking for a minimum wage starting at €23,000 from this season onwards.

However despite the strike being called off, the unions said there were various other issues on which agreements have not been reached after a year of negotiations.

“This step is the beginning and only a part of the agreement — now it is time to work to move forward on important points such as maternity, harassment protocol (and other aspects),” the unions added.

Matches will now take place this weekend after the games on September 8-10 were not played. Last season a refereeing strike disrupted the first week of Liga F matches.

Eventually, the league agreed to pay referees higher match fees, while the Spanish government said they would contribute to a refereeing retirement fund.

Spanish women’s football has been in the spotlight after La Roja won the World Cup in August, but the victory was tainted by an incident involving former federation president Luis Rubiales at the medal ceremony after the game.

Rubiales, 46, sparked worldwide outrage when he forcibly kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

The chief has since resigned and is set to appear in court on Friday after a Spanish judge opened an investigation into the incident.

Currently, 81 Spain players are striking against the women’s national team, until the leadership of the federation changes. Rubiales has resigned and controversial women’s coach Jorge Vilda was sacked.

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RACISM

Real Madrid’s Tchouameni victim of racist gesture after goal at Mallorca

Real Mallorca condemned Sunday a racist gesture made by a supporter as Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni celebrated scoring the only goal of Saturday's La Liga match.

Real Madrid's Tchouameni victim of racist gesture after goal at Mallorca

“During yesterday’s match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid, footage showed a person making racist gestures. The club has activated the protocol against violence in football and is working with the national police to identify this person,” said the club in a statement on its website.

“RCD Mallorca does not and will not tolerate any manifestation of racism and actively participates in all campaigns to eradicate this scourge,” added the club.

Spanish TV channel Movistar+ captured video of a Mallorca fan imitating a monkey as French international Tchouameni celebrated his goal during the league leaders’ 1-0 away win.

Spain has been the scene of several racist incidents in football this season, with Tchouameni’s Brazilian team-mate Vinicius Junior the repeated victim of such attacks.

A friendly match was organised between Spain and Brazil on March 27 under the slogan “One Skin” to help combat racism.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: The racism problem that has blighted Spanish football

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