Never Leave Again

a digital war

Martes, 22 de agosto. 10:14.

To: integridad@rfef.es
From: natalia.segura.sabate@gmail.com
Subject: Immediate Action Necessary.

To Whom It May Concern,

I hope this email reaches someone of authority despite the evident challenges in addressing matters of grave importance. My name is Natalia Segura Sabaté, a member of the Spanish women's national team, and I find myself reluctantly compelled to address an issue that has significantly tarnished the recent Women's World Cup.

During the tournament, I experienced an incident of sexual assault (SA) perpetrated by Daniel Garrido López, a physiotherapist associated with the team and personally assigned to me by my head coach, Jorge Vilda. The egregious nature of this act is a stain on the reputation of the team, and I feel compelled to express my profound disappointment in the manner in which it has been handled thus far. Upon my raising of the issue, I was dismissed promptly and urged to focus on the tournament at hand.

I have refrained from making this matter public until now, out of respect for the team and the tournament. However, the inaction and apparent disregard for the gravity of the situation demand immediate attention. The incident occurred on the 26th July 2023, following our group stage match against Zambia. A select few individuals within the team, including Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso, and Laia Codina are aware of the distressing details.

It is disheartening that an event of such magnitude has been met with silence and apparent indifference. The lack of a proactive response only serves to undermine the principles of accountability and transparency that should be inherent within our esteemed organisation.

I am aware of the sensitive nature of such allegations, but my intention is not to seek personal retribution. As of right now, I have no desire to pursue legal action against Sr. Daniel Garrido. Rather, I insist on a thorough and impartial investigation into the actions of the physiotherapist in question, and more importantly, an unequivocal commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all athletes associated with the Royal Spanish Football Federation now and in the future.

I expect, at the very least, a formal acknowledgment of this communication and immediate information regarding the steps being taken to address this matter. It is imperative that the RFEF takes swift, decisive action to rectify this situation and prevent any further damage to the integrity of our beloved sport.

I trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The reputation of our national team and the well-being of its athletes are at stake.

Yours sincerely,

Natalia Segura Sabaté

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Miércoles, 23 de agosto. 13:39.

To: natalia.segura.sabate@gmail.com
From: integridad@rfef.es
Subject: Re: Immediate Action Necessary.

Dear Sra. Segura Sabaté,

We acknowledge the receipt of your recent communication. It is disheartening to see a valued member of the Spanish national football team engaging in public discourse that has the potential to cast shadows on the triumph of our recent World Cup victory.

We, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, and we are confident in the ethical conduct of our staff. Our internal investigations into your allegations have concluded that Sr. Daniel Garrido López diligently fulfilled his duties, evidenced by various medical reports on a persistent hamstring injury you acquired in an earlier camp.