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The FIFA 2023 Women's World Cup will be without one of the best players in the world, as Barcelona star rules herself out.
Barcelona and Spain international defender Mapi Leon has ruled herself out of participating in the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The 27-year-old defender, along with a number of Spain's women's national team players, withdrew from international duty contention a while back in protest against poor treatment.
She has now announced that she will not be returning, even for the world, if the situation remains the same.
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Nigeria are drawn in Group B of the Women's World Cup, alongside Australia, Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
What Mapi Leon said
The Barcelona starting centre-back was one of 15 players who put out a joint statement to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) stating that they would refuse to be summoned for international duty until improved welfare was put in place.
The defender has not been called up for subsequent international duties, and today, as reported by Rac 1, she announced that she will not be participating in the World Cup in July unless changes are made.
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Nigeria are drawn into the same group as Australia which would alongside New Zealand, co-host the 9th edition of the Women's World Cup.
"As of today, I will not be in the World Cup. It's a shame. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, but my decision is clear. Mapi León has a way of life and values. I can't go back if the situation doesn't change."
Meanwhile, A loud and animated crowd nearly packed the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka to capacity for an exhibition game between Barcelona and Zambia legends.
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