Megan Rapinoe slams Spain FA chief after Women's World Cup Final actions
Megan Rapinoe has claimed that a "deep level of misogyny and sexism" runs through the Spanish FA following the actions of its president, Luis Rubiales, during the Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the tournament's trophy presentation ceremony after Spain's 1-0 victory over England.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president was also caught on video making an obscene gesture during celebrations at full-time, while a further video was circulated on social media of the president telling the Spanish dressing room that he would “marry” Hermoso in Ibiza. The incidents arrive as the RFEF is entrenched in controversy surrounding its alleged maltreatment of female players.
And USA legend Rapinoe has waded in on the behaviour from Rubiales, telling the Atlantic in an interview: “What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating Jenni [Hermoso] has to be physically assaulted by this guy."
On Rubiales, Rapinoe added: “There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in the federation and in that man [Luis Rubiales], at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch. It made me think about how much we [women] are required to endure.
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"Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder: Some of the players who stood up way back last year [to protest poor treatment by their coach and federation] still aren’t on the team.
"Maybe that was something that galvanised them, but you shouldn’t have to have that."
Jenni Hermoso was kissed on her lips by Spain FA president Luis Rubiales (RTVE)Rapinoe has been one of the world's most vocal advocates for women's and LGBTQ+ rights and has consistently used her platform to fight against perceived abuses of male power, with the forward famously striking a heated battle with former president Donald Trump during the 2019 Women's World Cup.
Rubiales initially dismissed the widespread outrage ignited by his kiss of Hermoso--who later declared she “did not enjoy” the episode-- as "idiocy". The president later rescinded his comments and issued an apology amid widespread criticism from notable figures, including Spain’s sports minister Miquel Iceta and deputy prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, with the latter calling for Rubiales' removal.
Rubiales' apology has done little to quell the odium incited by his actions, along with those of polarising head coach Jorge Vilda who was spotted in footage appearing to touch a female member of staff's breast shortly after Olga Carmona's goal against England.
On Tuesday, Spain's acting prime minister declared Rubiales' apologies "have not been enough" amid mounting pressure for a removal from office.
The RFEF has since called an Extraordinary General Assembly for 1 September to discuss “the latest events that occurred during the award ceremony of the Women's World Cup."
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