Women's World Cup contenders Spain has denied allegations they ditched their Palmerston North training camp base early because of boredom.
According to an ESPN report, the team moved their base to Wellington before their final group match because of "the lack of things to do in the area" had taken its toll.
But Spain have refuted the claims, confirming to AAP that they have indeed relocated, but not because of boredom.
"It's definitely not true. We have felt at home in Palmy," they said.
"The Palmy people have been amazing with us, Copthorne Hotel has been a real home to us, and Massey (University) [was] the best place to train every day.
"We have just moved to be closer to the stadium and in case we end as top of Group C we will also play in Wellington so it will be more comfortable for all."
The reporter in question, ESPN correspondent Sam Marsden, has also since taken to social media to clarify his initial report.
"So, I may have caused an international incident. Be kind," he wrote.
"I published a line on ESPN on Friday about Spain's move from their training base in Palmerston North to Wellington.
"The information was based on reports from reliable sources. However, it does not reflect Spain's official reason for moving which is to do with logistics ahead of possible KO games."
It is understood Spain had originally intended to be based in Upper Hutt for this year's tournament, only for Sweden to secure those facilities.
So far, Spain are top of Group C of this World Cup, with comfortable victories over both Costa Rica and Zambia to start their campaign.
