Maica García takes legal action against Astralpool Sabadell following her maternity
The historic water polo player and Olympic champion, Maica García, has formalized her intention to take Astralpool Sabadell to court. The athlete reports having been sidelined from the club after returning from maternity leave, a situation she considers a violation of her rights as a sports professional after a 32-year career at the organization.
During an appearance at the facilities of CN Sant Andreu, her new team, García expressed her deep disappointment with the management of the Catalan club. Although she reiterated her affection for the institution, she was categorical in pointing out that no athlete should have to go through an exclusion process similar to hers.
A conflict over contractual continuity
The central point of the dispute lies in the interpretation of the contract. García maintains that, in accordance with current labor protection regulations for professional athletes, her bond with the club should have extended until August 2027. The player, whose goal was to reach the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games wearing the colors of Sabadell, was met with a flat refusal from the board upon returning from her leave.
I quietly took it for granted that I was going to reach Los Angeles playing for Sabadell. I am leading a social change so that other female athletes can face motherhood without seeing their careers cut short.
Maica García, Olympic water polo champion.
Emotional impact and the fight for a precedent
The athlete confessed that the process had a strong emotional impact on her, including bouts of anxiety. However, her motivation for seeking justice transcends her personal case; she seeks to establish a legal precedent that guarantees better conditions for athletes who decide to become mothers. After receiving the notification of her discharge from Social Security, she has placed the matter in the hands of her legal team.
New stage at CN Sant Andreu
Despite the legal conflict, García’s sporting future is secured. The water polo player has signed a contract until the summer of 2028 with CN Sant Andreu, the club that provided her with the necessary support during her complex postpartum period. Her current goals are clear: to regain her best competitive level and return to the Spanish national team’s call-ups.
- 32-year career linked to Sabadell with more than 70 titles won.
- Contract signed with CN Sant Andreu until 2028.
- Legal actions underway under the protection of Organic Law 2/2024 on athlete protection.
