US football sensation, Megan Rapinoe, has taken a firm stand against Luis Rubiales, the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for his appalling actions during the 2023 Women's World Cup final. Rapinoe, a leading advocate for women's football, shone a light on the pervasive sexism within Spanish football. She pointed out that many Spanish female players who previously protested against mismanagement have been conspicuously left out of the team.
Following Spain's title triumph against England in the Women's World Cup Luis Rubiales grabbed Jennifer Hermoso's face before giving her a kiss on the mouth.
While the protests might have fueled the spirit of the remaining players, Rapinoe argued that they should not have to face such adversities. Her harshest criticism, however, was directed at Rubiales' inappropriate gesture after the World Cup final whistle, branding it a stark example of entrenched misogyny.
Expressing her dismay, Rapinoe commented, "It made me think about how much we are required to endure. Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder: Some of the players who stood up way back last year (in protest at poor treatment from their federation and their coach) still aren't on the team. Maybe that was something that galvanized them, but you shouldn't have to have that."
She went on to vividly describe the controversial incident, stating, "There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch. What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy."
Despite facing these challenges, the Spanish women's football team showcased their unparalleled tenacity by emerging as world champions. Remarkably, they achieved this feat even with 12 first-team players stepping back in a move to compel the RFEF to prioritize women's football.
Rapinoe's remarks emphasize the ongoing battle against sexism in women's soccer – a battle that must be won for true gender equality in the sport. As Spain gears up to face Sweden in the Nations League in September, it's imperative that this incident catalyzes significant changes in the federation's approach to the women's game.
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