SPAIN IS REMOVING THE WORD 'WOMEN' FROM NATIONAL TEAM NAME TO SHOW 'CONCEPTUAL SHIFT'

Spain's players have successfully brought about change after weeks of open rebellion as they demanded thorough reform of the federation after Rubiales' kiss and the reaction to his behavior. With Spanish soccer engulfed in crisis, Rubiales...

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By eliminating the phrase for “women's soccer” from the name of its national team, the Spanish Football Federation is hoping to show it has made a “conceptual shift” in its view of the sport.

It remains to be seen if more countries will follow suit.

Spain made the move towards greater equality this week as part of an agreement between the governing body and its World Cup winning team, which have been in dispute since former federation president Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy ceremony as Spain was crowned world champion in Australia last month.

The name for the women's team traditionally included the phrase "de fútbol femenino” — translated as “women’s soccer.” Going forward, the men’s and women’s national teams will both officially be known as “Selección Española de fútbol” or “Spain’s national soccer team.”