Great success for the 'Tribute to Galician Women' Legal Conference in Vigo

During the lead-up to the UEFA Women’s Nations League international between Spain and Portugal at Balaídos, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), in collaboration with the Galician Football Federation (RFGF), the University of Vigo, and RC Celta de Vigo, hosted the 13th edition of its Legal Conference, this time held as a ‘Tribute to Galician Women’.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote visibility for women’s football and to highlight the role of women in regions visited by the national team, the RFEF is leading several significant initiatives. Yesterday’s event tackled key topics such as the evolution of women’s football in Galicia and Spain, female leadership in the legal field, and gender equality as a legal challenge in sport.

Rafael Louzán officially opened the event, which marked its thirteenth edition. Also in attendance were Álvaro de Miguel, Secretary General of the RFEF; Pablo Prieto, President of the Galician Football Federation; Belén Rubio, Vice-Rector of the University of Vigo; and Miguel Álvarez, RC Celta board member.

This training event, which is traditionally held ahead of national team fixtures, featured three roundtable discussions centred on current issues in sport, all explored from legal and analytical perspectives — with women at the heart of the dialogue.

Held in the Redeiras Building Exhibition Hall, the conference drew a large audience who engaged with the following panels:

- The evolution of women’s football in the region and nationally

Ms. Reyes Bellver, Director of Women’s Football, RFEF

Mr. Abraham Yañez, Head of Women’s Football at FUTGAL, RFGF Territorial Delegate in Ferrol

Ms. Xisela Aranda, RC Celta Board Member and AS Celta Advisor

- Female leadership in the legal sphere

Ms. Beatriz Seijo, Lawyer and RFEF Executive Board Member

Ms. Nerea Vilela, Lawyer and RFEF Investigator

Ms. Esther Queraltó, Head of Contracting, RFEF

Mr. Jordi Aparisi, Director of Legal Counsel, RFEF

- Equality as a legal challenge in sport

Ms. Minerva Salas, RFEF Executive Board Member

Ms. Yolanda Rodríguez Castro, Director of the Equality Unit, University of Vigo

Ms. Inés Iglesias, Director of IXEX – Institute for Research in Justice and Gender

Ms. Susana Murias, Head of Paralympic Sponsorship, Iberdrola

These Legal Conferences form part of a wider set of initiatives the RFEF is carrying out in Vigo. One of the main highlights is the campaign 'El Coraje de las Nuestras' (The Courage of Our Women), which draws a parallel between the hard work of women in the fishing industry and that of the national team players on the pitch. The campaign inspired the recent squad announcement video from Montse Tomé, featuring 23 players and spotlighting shellfish gatherers and fish market workers from Galicia.

Later today at Balaídos, a number of activities will continue the celebration of women — and in particular, Galician women. There will be a musical tribute with performances by Kike Varela and Ferrinhas Bravas starting at 6 PM, one hour before kick-off at 7 PM. Additionally, a ‘Palco 0’ (honorary box) will welcome notable Galician women, who will be honoured during the matchday.