Spain-has-condemned-inappropriate-World-Cup-kiss

In Madrid, Patricia Otero, an amateur soccer player and high school teacher, expressed her dismay but not surprise at a recent incident during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. The president of Spain’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, was seen forcibly kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips, an act Otero and her teammates found all too familiar from their experiences in the sport.

Otero, 30, from Malaga, recounted similar inappropriate behaviors, like a coach patting their butts while claiming paternal affection. This incident has highlighted the struggle for equality in Spanish women’s soccer, where teams like Otero’s had to fund themselves, unlike their male counterparts.

The reaction to the televised kiss, which Hermoso stated was non-consensual, has been one of widespread condemnation in Spain and internationally. Despite Rubiales’s defense and his mother’s brief hunger strike in support, public opinion strongly supports Hermoso. This has led FIFA to suspend Rubiales for 90 days, and the Spanish government is considering declaring him unfit for his position.

The incident, which also included Rubiales making a lewd gesture in front of Spain’s Queen Letizia and Princess Sofía, has sparked a national conversation on sexism in Spanish society, particularly in soccer. This comes amidst significant strides in women’s rights and gender equality in Spain, including progressive laws on abortion and workplace equality.

The slogan “Se Acabo” (This is over), started by Hermoso’s teammate Alexia Putellas, has become a rallying cry against Rubiales. Lisa Banks, a U.S.-based attorney, sees this as a pivotal moment for recognizing that such acts, even in celebration, are unacceptable.

Despite initial support from some in the soccer leadership, Rubiales’s stance has isolated him, with calls for his resignation intensifying. The women’s national team has even threatened to not play if he remains in his position.

Beatriz Álvarez, president of Spain’s professional women’s league, emphasized that the issue is not just about gender but about power dynamics between a boss and an employee. Hermoso views the incident as a culmination of longstanding inappropriate attitudes within the team.

The response to this scandal is seen as a potential catalyst for addressing deep-rooted inequalities in soccer. For example, there’s a significant disparity in minimum salaries between men and women players. The Association of Women in Professional Sports in Spain has reported a surge in complaints related to gender inequality in sports following the incident.

Micro #cuento del sábado noche.
Lo que el ojo no vió.#nanit pic.twitter.com/UmepWUCxht

— Lå Møñøs (@LolaLaMonyos) August 26, 2023

Toña Is, a former coach and player, who was fired by the federation for her internal complaints about sexism, feels vindicated by the current events. She emphasizes the need for zero tolerance towards such attitudes not just in sports, but in society at large.

The situation now focuses on the future of the federation and the possibility of fostering a new, more equitable culture in Spanish soccer.