Spain star Carvajal questions lack of support to women's side over Rubiales saga
Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal was left dumbfounded following Spain Women's World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati's declaration that she harboured low expectations when it came to support from her male counterparts in the ongoing row against the Spanish football federation.
Bonmati was part of Spain’s squad in the summer, who defeated England 1-0 in the tournament finale. The team’s unprecedented triumph has since been tarnished by the actions of former Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales during the winners’ medals presentation ceremony.
The disgraced chief resigned from his role after fierce condemnation and currently faces at least three legal and administrative challenges, though Rubiales maintains that he is a victim of ‘false feminism’ and the kiss with striker Jenni Hermoso was consensual.
Spain’s men squad released a joint statement calling Rubiales’ actions inappropriate and criticised “any sexist actions”, though the statement refrained from outright naming Hermoso or calling for action to be taken.
And in a Bonmati, who is reportedly in line to claim her first Ballon d’Or, said she was not surprised by the lack of support from the current men’s squad.
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“The truth is that I don’t know what she means,” the full-back said after Spain’s 1-0 victory over Norway when asked about the comments. I don’t know what she could be referring to, whether to support more or not to support. In the end, what happened, happened.”
He added: “They [the women’s team] are restructuring what they believe or do not feel comfortable within their environment in the Federation [RFEF]. Or trying to restructure the entire staff, everything in marketing, communication, etcetra, etcera. And we are focused on what we have to do, which is to win and continue on our own path.”
Aitana Bonmati of Spain celebrates with her winner's medal and Golden Ball award after the World Cup victory (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Carvajal had previously said that Rubiales “was not in line with what a president should be at a celebration.” When pressed on why Hermoso was not definitively named, he said: "What we reject is what I'm saying, those inappropriate gestures from the president."
He added: "It is a shame that it spoils or overlaps the world title because it is a very important feat for our football. It has not been good for the image of Spanish sport."
Bonmati has been steadfast in her criticism of the systemic faults entrenched within the RFEF, which threatened the women’s team with legal action if they did not return to work amidst the ongoing furore.
The midfielder has called for wholesale change within Spanish football.
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