Spanish Women’s World Cup Triumph: Rubiales Ousted
The Spanish women’s national soccer team secured two significant victories—first, as champions of the recent Women’s World Cup, and second, with the removal of Luis Rubiales, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Rubiales’ long-overdue ouster came after he attempted to cling to his position despite allegations of inappropriate behavior. Following their World Cup win, he hugged team members and forcibly kissed champion player Jennifer Hermoso, sparking controversy.
Even as pressure mounted for him to step down, Rubiales adamantly refused and, in a defensive move, claimed the kiss was consensual, a claim Hermoso vehemently denied. His stubborn stance highlighted the persistent culture of sexism within the Spanish soccer system, a problem not unique to Spain. Many other national federations also grapple with harassment, sexual assault, corruption, wage theft, and threats against women players.
Hermoso aptly summarized the situation by stating, “As World Champions, we do not deserve such a manipulative, hostile, and controlling culture. These incidents are just one part of the larger issues players have been addressing in recent years.”
Rubiales managed to hold onto his position for weeks due to FIFA’s inadequate governance when it comes to removing abusive leaders and providing support systems for women players facing abuse, threats, and intimidation.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Forbes
