September 02, (THEWILL) – Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, praised the country’s women footballers on Saturday, for going on strike over Federation chief, Luis Rubiales, forcing a kiss on a player after their World Cup win.
Speaking in Malaga, Sanchez said Spain’s female players had “given the world a lesson” in equality by taking a stand against Rubiales’ actions. He stated the players had won twice – first by triumphing on the pitch at the World Cup, and then by showing courage in highlighting inequality between men and women.
Last week, Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso and 80 other players said they would refuse international call-ups while Rubiales remains in charge of the Spanish Football Federation. Hermoso said she did not consent to being kissed by Rubiales following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final.
The 46-year-old Football chief has defied calls to resign over the kiss scandal, leading to widespread criticism. Sanchez referenced the common chant at recent demonstrations that “it’s over” for Rubiales, saying Spain’s women had decided they would no longer submit to such treatment.
On Friday, Spain’s sports court agreed to investigate Rubiales over the kiss. Rubiales insists he will defend himself, but has been suspended by FIFA for 90 days pending potential disciplinary action. The Spanish government lodged a complaint against Rubiales last week, accusing him of “very serious” offenses. The court said the alleged behaviour was concerning, but fell short of the government’s characterisation.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
