Barcelona triumphed over Real Sociedad to win the Spanish Women’s Super Cup on Sunday, but their subsequent medal ceremony was marred by an ongoing dispute between the players and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
A brace from Aitana Bonmati and a stoppage-time header from Asisat Oshoala were enough to see the Catalonians retain the Super Cup and set them on course for yet another European treble. However, the performance was somewhat overshadowed by the sight of Barcelona's stars having to pick up their own medals, rather than being presented with them in an official ceremony.
Teams that win the Super Cup are traditionally greeted and congratulated by the Spanish president, who then proceeds to hand out winners’ medals. However, Jonatan Giraldez’s side were denied such an honour due to the fact a number of Barcelona and Real Sociedad players are at loggerheads with the RFEF over the alleged poor treatment of the women's national team.
Last year, a group of 15 Spanish players reportedly sent “identical” emails to the RFEF, criticising head coach Jorge Vilda and claiming that playing under the 41-year-old was affecting their mental health. The players - including Manchester United duo Ona Batlle and Lucia Garcia - noted that they were unhappy with Vilda's team selection and training sessions, as well as the toxic atmosphere in the dressing room.
The RFEF responded with a sensational statement in which they backed Vilda and insisted the players involved apologise to the manager if they wished to be allowed back onto the team.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the ongoing dispute prompted RFEF representatives to snub the chance to be pictured with any of the players who are embroiled in the controversy, forcing Barcelona's victorious stars to collect their Super Cup winners' medals themselves.
An official was eventually called on to award the Player of the Match accolade to Bonmati, however the presentation was brief, with a number of players looking disappointed with the lack of ceremony.
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