Maica García takes legal action against Astralpool Sabadell following her maternity
Legendary water polo player Maica García has decided to take Astralpool Sabadell, the club she was associated with for 32 years, to court after being notified that she was not part of the organization’s sporting plans following her maternity leave. The Olympic and world champion described the handling of her departure as a painful process that has had a significant emotional impact on her.
García, who was a key figure in securing more than 70 titles for the Catalan club, including seven Champions Leagues, maintains that her contract should have been extended until August 2027. According to the athlete, this extension is supported by current regulations regarding the labor protection of professional athletes. “I calmly assumed that I would reach Los Angeles playing for Sabadell,” declared the center-forward, who maintains the firm intention of participating in the 2028 Olympic Games.
Sabadell is my life and it will be my club for my entire life. I am leading a social change so that no other athlete has to go through a similar situation when trying to balance motherhood with their professional career.
Maica García, Olympic water polo champion.
A new beginning at CN Sant Andreu
Despite the legal conflict and the unrest caused by the disassociation, Maica García’s sporting future already has a new destination. The player has joined the ranks of CN Sant Andreu, a team with which she has signed a contract valid until the summer of 2028. García highlighted that this club provided her with the necessary support and understanding during her complex postpartum process.
- 2028 Goal: The athlete is working intensely to regain her competitive level and be called up again by the Spanish national team.
- Legal action: Her legal team is preparing the complaint to defend her labor rights and set a precedent in women’s sports.
- Commitment: García seeks to raise awareness about the difficulties athletes face when resuming their careers after becoming mothers.
The water polo player trusts that her case will serve as a turning point to improve conditions for future generations of athletes, ensuring that her fight does not stem from resentment, but from the need for justice and equity within the professional sphere.
