Foul play by Spanish football chief spoils the game
- Kiss for player after Spanish Women’s World Glory has turned into a crisis and become a #MeToo moment for the sport
The Fifa Women’s World Cup was a big success, boosting the global image of the sport and showcasing the rapid development of female football. But the controversy that has engulfed winners Spain after their impressive victory suggests there is still much work to be done.
A kiss was the cause of the crisis. Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales kissed star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony.
He claimed the embrace was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
Hermoso disagreed, saying the kiss was an “impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part”. She said it made her feel vulnerable and the victim of an assault.
The incident caused a storm, with calls for the unrepentant Rubiales to resign. Hermoso is among 81 women players to go on strike.
Hundreds of people joined a protest in Madrid and a petition has been launched.
Rubiales has been suspended for 90 days by world governing body Fifa, which has started disciplinary proceedings. Spain’s national court has initiated a preliminary inquiry into whether the kiss amounts to sexual assault.
The country’s sports court might also act.
Meanwhile, the football chief’s conduct has been widely condemned. Regional presidents of the country’s football federation have called for him to step down.
Spain vows larger role for women in sport as Rubiales asked to resign over kiss
His position is becoming untenable.
The controversy, described by some as a #MeToo moment for football, comes as Spain faces up to broader issues concerning women’s rights. Thousands have protested against sexual abuse and laws have been passed in areas such as equal pay and abortion rights.
Ultimately, Rubiales’ fate will be decided by inquiries under way, if not by the groundswell of public opinion against him. His conduct, as Spain’s deputy prime minister said, was shameful and unacceptable.
Women footballers around the world are finally getting the recognition they deserve. But they often have to overcome deep-rooted discrimination and prejudice to succeed.
It must be eradicated. The rise of women’s football is doing much to bring down barriers. It is a great shame that Spain’s triumph has been marred by the kissing controversy.
But the strong backlash has raised awareness and should help bring change.
