USWNT star Megan Rapinoe has addressed the ‘deep level of misogyny and sexism’ following Spain’s FA (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales’ controversial behavior after Sunday’s World Cup final, in which he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the mouth and seemed to grab his crotch as he celebrated Spain’s victory.
The 38-year-old traveled to Down Under with her national team to defend the league title at this year’s tournament, but was infamously knocked out in the round of 16 by Sweden in the country’s lowest-ever World Cup finish.
A 0–0 draw at the end of time and extra time tied the score on penalties, and Rapinoe was one of three American players unable to find goalkeeper Zecira Musovic’s goal as the Swedes provided the mother of all misfortunes. .
Rapinoe later shared that she did not watch the World Cup final – which saw England’s hearts broken as Spain beat the European champions 1-0 – live, but watched the game later in the morning due to the time difference in the US.
But questioned by The Atlantic Ocean On her thoughts on Rubiales’ actions prior to the trophy presentation, Rapinoe couldn’t hold back her disapproval, calling the kiss “physical assault.”
Megan Rapinoe has denounced the ‘deep level of misogyny and sexism’ at the Spanish Football Federation after President Luis Rubiales kissed and grabbed Jenni Hermoso by the crotch during the World Cup final
The USWNT star claimed the federation chief’s behavior amounted to ‘physical assault’
Hermoso (center) said she “didn’t like it” and declined to appear in an apology video with Rubiales
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“It made me think about how much we have to endure,” Rapinoe said of the incident. “Think how much that Spanish team had to bring in: some of the players who came on last year (in protest against head coach Jorge Vilda’s continued involvement) are still not part of the team.
“Maybe that was something that stimulated them, but you shouldn’t have that.
“There was another image that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man (Rubiales) who just grabs his crotch at the final whistle.
‘What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni (Hermoso) has to be physically assaulted by this man.”
Hermoso, when questioned about the incident in the middle of Spain’s raucous dressing room, said she “didn’t like it”, but the RFEF later issued a statement in the name of the player downplaying the kiss and insisting that the attention was turned back to the historic World Cup. to win.
Rubiales first gave a blistering reply to those who criticized his action, calling out “fools and idiots” and the “bulls***” they have scattered and defending the “friendly” kiss.
Rubiales appeared to grab his crotch in an obscene gesture after the final whistle next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofia
But the president was forced to resign his position as the controversy continued, with his actions drawing both widespread criticism on social media and drawing the attention of senior Spanish officials, including Sports Minister Miquel Iceta. a video showing Rubiales festively grabbing his crotch while standing next to 16-year-old Infanta Sofia.
Iceta insisted that Rubiales should apologize and worry about observing his behavior in light of his “public responsibilities,” calling the kiss “unacceptable.”
Rubiales later admitted that he had “made a mistake” in a “moment of great emotion,” but the public was unable to contain the incident as it was revealed that the president had tried to persuade Hermoso to appear in a film . apologized to him three times and even appealed to her family to convince the player to participate in the public display of unity.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez deemed Rubiales’ apology “inadequate” as calls for the federation’s head to resign were mounting, while Spain’s acting minister of equality, Irene Montero, called the act “sexual violence”.
Long before his behavior threatened to overshadow Spain’s World Cup victory, Rubiales was a controversial figure at the top of the Spanish football federation.
But Rubiales (right) has long been divisive at the head of the Spanish federation
The director’s staunch support of head coach Jorge Vilda (right) has attracted attention
Starting XI players, including Mapi Leon (left), remain unavailable for national team squad
He has long been a staunch supporter of divisive head coach Jorge Vilda, whose continued presence in the national squad caused fifteen of his players to go on strike last September over allegations of his controlling behaviour.
Twelve of the players who took themselves out of contention for the national team during the protest later made themselves available for the World Cup squad, but the Spain team was without celebrities, including Barcelona stars Mapi Leon and Patricia Guijarro in Australia and New Zealand.
Rubiales praised Vilda as a “hard-working man” who had survived attempts to “destroy” him ahead of the World Cup final, and celebrated with his head coach after the trophy lift on Sunday.
Vilda has become embroiled in controversy over his own consent in the wake of Sunday’s final, when footage circulated Wednesday of the coach appearing to grab the breast of a female staff member as he celebrated Olga Carmona’s winning goal.