01 September 2023 , 09:27
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Sarina Wiegman dedicated her UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year award to the Spanish women's national team amid the ongoing controversy ensnaring the national football landscape.
The Spanish FA (RFEF) has been plunged into disarray after suspended president Luis Rubiales kissed Spain striker Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the Women's World Cup trophy presentation in Australia. The 46-year-old was also seen grabbing his crotch during full-time celebrations.
The subsequent fallout has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the positions of both Rubiales and divisive women's head coach Jorge Vilda looking increasingly untenable amid pressure for the pair's immediate dismissals. Spanish prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to sexual assault.
And Wiegman, who lost in the World Cup final to Vilda's Spain, used her time on stage on Thursday in Monaco to say the Spain team "deserved to be listened to".
Addressing the incident in Monte Carlo after collecting her award, Wiegman said: “Can I give a message please?
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“First thanks for everyone voting, especially colleagues, it’s been very special and I’m really honoured, also thanks to everyone who’s involved with the Lionesses of course the team, the incredible team, and all the staff and everyone at the FA.
“But of course it feels a little bit different, we all know the issues around the Spanish team, and it really hurts me as a coach, as a mother of two daughters, as a wife and a human being.
“We just talked about 1988 and the game has grown so much, but there’s also a long way to go in women’s football and in society, and I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team, the team that played in the World Cup such great football that everyone enjoyed.
“I was going to ask you to give this applause afterwards but this team deserves to be celebrated, and deserves to be listened to, and I again am going to give them a big applause, and I hope you will join me.”
UEFA Women's Coach of the Year Sarina Wiegman dedicates a speech to the Spain women's national team (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)Shortly before the awards ceremony, the under-fire Spanish chief was pictured for the first time since his sensational refusal to resign from his post.
Rubiales was seen thanking staff for looking after his mother, Angeles Bejar, who dramatically locked herself in a church and forced herself into a hunger strike in protest of the "inhumane treatment" of her son.
The 72-year-old was rushed to Sant Ana hospital in southern Spain late on Wednesday night after spending three days in the church, though she was later discharged.
Luis Rubiales has been pictured at the hospital where his mother was treated (AFP via Getty Images)According to the Daily Mail, Rubiales attempted to arrive covertly at the hospital wearing dark glasses and a hat. After leaving through the back exit, Rubiales returned later in the next day to thank hospital staff, who took a photo with the FA chief which was then leaked to Spanish media amid outcry for Rubiales to confront the scandal publicly.
It has also emerged that Rubiales has forbidden family from speaking about the case following his uncle's remarkable outburst, in which Juan López accused his nephew of being "sexist and obsessed with money and luxury".