Shockwaves in Women’s Football: Rubiales Found Guilty
This verdict is set to reverberate throughout the women’s football community. Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting Jenni Hermoso by kissing the forward on the lips after Spain’s historic victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Long before that fateful night in Sydney, murmurs regarding the treatment of women within the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had begun to circulate. The Rubiales incident has thrust these concerns into the limelight, exposing the culture of impunity he believed he could exploit—revealing much about the organization’s deeply ingrained practices.
For the casual observer in England, who had just witnessed the Lionesses suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat, Rubiales’ actions may have seemed bewildering, overshadowing what should have been a triumphant celebration for Hermoso and her teammates. However, it is crucial not to overlook the broader implications of this incident; the English football scene cannot afford to turn a blind eye. The dialogue surrounding sexism within the sport must persist.
Continued Conversations on Consent and Power Dynamics
Since Rubiales’ assault, two prominent controversies regarding player-coach relationships have emerged in the upper echelons of English football. These incidents have rightfully sparked discussions about consent and inappropriate conduct. Jonathan Morgan was dismissed by Sheffield United after revelations of a relationship with a player from a previous club came to light. Likewise, Willie Kirk was let go by Leicester City due to allegations surrounding a player-coach relationship; both men claimed their relationships were consensual.
The challenges faced by female footballers in Spain may be particularly pronounced in Liga F, but they reflect universal issues. At the onset of the 2023-24 season, as the fallout from Rubiales’ kiss continued, many players contemplated striking to address grossly inadequate pay. The minimum wage for the women’s league hovers around just £13,700, starkly contrasted with the £156,000 average in men’s football.
Hermoso’s presence outside the courtroom during the Rubiales trial highlighted a significant disregard for female athletes—an issue that resonates far beyond Spain’s borders. This cultural pattern does not exist in isolation but is a pervasive issue worldwide.
- Extreme cases of negligence persist, but there are also smaller yet equally insidious decisions that consistently undermine the professionalism and dignity of women in sports.
- An instance includes Arsenal Women being forced to vacate the Emirates for a Champions League match against Bayern Munich due to scheduling conflicts with the men’s team, subsequently playing at Meadow Park instead.
Additionally, Manchester United Women have faced their share of indignities, having to train in portable buildings because the facilities at Carrington were exclusively reserved for the men’s team. While these examples may not carry the same dire consequences, they contribute to a broader culture where female footballers—and women in general—are not afforded the respect they deserve.
The Path Forward: Hope and Change
There is hope that Hermoso will find a sense of peace and vindication in the Rubiales verdict, though the trial was never solely about him. Jorge Vilda, the manager of Spain during their World Cup victory, also faced scrutiny, alongside two other RFEF officials, Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera. They were accused of pressuring Hermoso to retract her statements claiming the kiss was non-consensual. However, all three were ultimately cleared of the charges against them.
The courage demonstrated by the Spanish Women’s national team holds the potential to catalyze significant change within the sport, but this is an ongoing struggle shared by female athletes globally. The impact of their actions off the pitch may prove even more transformative than their achievements on it.
