Spain's Football Federation Funds Egg Freezing for Women

On Tuesday, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced a fertility support program for female footballers and referees, allowing eligible athletes to access treatments such as in-vitro fertilization and egg freezing. This initiative, established through an agreement with Tambre clinic, is designed to give women in elite football more flexibility regarding motherhood.

Spain internationals Olga Carmona and Patri Guijarro attended the announcement, expressing their support for the program. Reyes Bellver Alonso, the RFEF’s director of women’s football, stated that the federation will cover the full cost of egg-freezing treatment for all international players called up at least twice.

The agreement with Tambre will last until 2029 and includes additional benefits based on the treatment accessed. The initiative aims to provide options for athletes who may feel pressured to delay motherhood due to their careers.

However, it has faced criticism from labor and equality groups in Spain, who argue that such treatments should not replace stronger workplace protections for pregnant athletes and mothers.