MADRID - Women footballers in Spain's top division went on
strike on Saturday in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Players' union AFE, which represents men and women, spoke on Twitter
of a "first and historic strike."
Last month 93 per cent of players voted to strike after a meeting in
Madrid, with the AFE calling for an increase in the minimum salary.
A last round of talks under the mediation of the ministry of
employment ended without agreement on Thursday.
"Today we players say basta!" national team goalkeeper Mariasun
Quinones of Real Sociedad said in an AFE video at the start of the
indefinite strike action.
There was support from the men's game. Barcelona's France striker
Antoine Griezmann said on Twitter: "The women's football comrades who
are on strike for their rights have all my support. Good luck!"
A las compañeras del fútbol femenino que están en huelga luchando por sus derechos les envío todo mi apoyo. Mucho ánimo! https://t.co/pnk0oBilJI
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) November 16, 2019
The Association of Women's Football Clubs (ACFF) has rejected the
players' pay demands, saying they would pose problems for smaller
clubs.
However, there has been an agreement on working contracts, with the
ACFF increasing its offer from half-day to 75-per-cent contracts.