United States women’s national team striker Megan Rapinoe says the kiss that Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales planted on the lips of women’s World Cup champion Jenny Hermoso spoiled Spain’s success, and points to a “deep level of misogyny and sexism in that.” Union and in that man.” “
Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup was overshadowed by the forced kiss during the medals ceremony after the final. After claiming that those who criticized his kiss were “stupid and stupid”, the head of the Spanish Football Federation had to apologize on Monday.
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Immediately after Spain’s victory, Rubiales grabbed his genitals in a gesture of victory. It happened with 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia and Queen Letizia of Spain standing nearby.
Rapinoe, who led the USWNT’s effort to equalize prize money between the men’s and women’s teams, and helped the team secure a new collective bargaining agreement, better benefits and more equal travel arrangements, said Rubiales’ actions point to deeper problems in Spain.
“There was another image that indicated this deep level of misogyny and sexism in that union and in that man [Rubiales] “At the final whistle, he was holding his genitals,” Rapinoe said in an interview. Published Tuesday in the journal The Atlantic.
“What kind of upside down world do we live in? In the larger stage, where she is to celebrate, Jenny has to be physically assaulted by this man.
“It made me think about how much we have to put up with,” Rapinoe said. Think of how much the Spanish team had to put up with: some of the players who stood in the way back last year [to protest treatment by their coach and federation] They are still not on the team.
“Maybe that was the thing that motivated them, but you shouldn’t have that.”
The Spanish national team was on the verge of rebelling last year due to complaints from some players about the culture of coach Jorge Vilda, demanding better training and preparation to get more from the team.
He endorsed Rubiales Filda and only three of the 15 players who complained were included in the World Cup squad. The federation has taken some steps towards improving conditions for players, including a financial package allowing them to bring family members to the World Cup and allowing players with children to spend time with them.
The RFEF announced later on Tuesday that it would convene an emergency extraordinary general assembly on Friday to discuss the issue.
“Based on the recent events that took place during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Awards Ceremony won by Spain last Sunday in Sydney, the FA would like to inform that the FA’s internal procedures in relation to integrity issues are open, as well as the rest of the protocols in place.” Read the statement.
Asked if Rubiales should resign, acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday that this was not his call because the Spanish Football Federation is not under government control. But Sanchez said Rubiales’ behavior was “unacceptable”.
Spanish Equality Minister Irene Montero said it was an act of “sexual abuse”. Under the new sexual violence law, an unwanted kiss, during which Rubiales grabbed Hermoso’s face before kissing her on the mouth, could be considered a crime.
“What I realized a long time ago is that we play two games at the same time,” Rapinoe said. “First, we are all playing against each other. And second, we are all playing together to win equality, progress and what we deserve.
“We want these other teams to be paid equal, to be given the resources they deserve, and not to be subjected to misogyny, racism and sexism.
He added, “If it comes at the expense of our dominance, then yes, we want to. It might be a new concept for some people, but it’s not for us.”
The USWNT was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Sweden in the Round of 16, their first ever exit from the competition.
“And I think we’ve understood for a long time that we’re one of the best teams, and being one of the teams that does that [has] Most have been invested in — [although] It’s not enough, it’s our responsibility to keep moving the game forward. I am much more proud of the World Cup as it is today than it was four or eight years ago. I feel proud when I see teams speak for themselves.”
The Spanish players’ federation, which Rubiales once headed, issued a statement on Tuesday calling on Spain’s Supreme Sports Council, which oversees Spanish sport, to take action against Rubiales if he does not step down. The federation cited Spain’s sports law, which penalizes actions that “harm the dignity” of a person or “create an atmosphere of intimidation” on the basis of unwanted behavior related to gender or race.
“The incident involving Jenny Hermoso is particularly dangerous because she finds herself in a position of vulnerability to someone in a position of power,” the union said. “The Spanish players’ once-in-a-lifetime celebration was overshadowed by the unbecoming behavior of the federation president.”
Information from the Associated Press is used in this report.
