Spain will fund the freezing of the national team players’ eggs

• The support of Alexia Putellas

  Backing the project is London City Lionesses forward and two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas: "It is enormous progress because the Federation understand that you are serving your country by going against your biological clock, that you cannot stop and you cannot become a mother because you need your body to work."

• A common protocol is lacking

  Motherhood in professional sport has moved to the centre of the debate in recent years. For female athletes, the option of preserving fertility can let them postpone a personal decision without necessarily having to interrupt or bring forward their careers. The RFEF's possible agreement would fit into that process. According to El Paisthere is, however, no common protocol on egg freezing or assisted reproduction techniques. For now, the main international point of reference is the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which requires a review of the drugs used and can grant therapeutic use exemptions. Some substances used during ovarian stimulation are prohibited and require prior authorisation, while others can be used without authorisation.

  
  

• The example of Racing Louisville

  The Spanish federation are not the first to take this step. In 2021, Racing Louisville in the United States became the first club to strike a deal with a clinic for this type of treatment. This year, UEFA also recommended including fertility and reproductive treatment in the employment policies of different clubs. Chelsea have announced an agreement with a private clinic too, along with a fund to cover the cost of freezing eggs.