Spain faces threat of another strike in women's soccer

MADRID (AP) - Women's soccer in Spain could face a second strike in less than three months after players said they will take action if a collective agreement is not formalized by Thursday.

Players said they will 'œtake measures'ť if they don't get a 'œsatisfactory answer'ť regarding the delay to formalize the agreement.

The women went on strike for a round of matches in November over wages and working hours. They reached a deal for the collective agreement in December, but the agreement is yet to be made official.

The delay was mostly related to unresolved details concerning television rights.

'œThe players have been patient,'ť Spain's players' association said in a statement on Wednesday. 'œBut without a deal ... they are being harmed."

Women's soccer has grown rapidly in Spain since the 2015 World Cup, when the country made its first appearance in the showcase tournament. Calls for greater equality for men and women in the sport have increased significantly since then.

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