Megan Rapinoe: 'Hermoso was physically harassed by the RFEF president'
"This makes me think of how much female players have to suffer. Think of what the Spanish team has gone through: A couple of players rebelled last year, to protest against being discriminated against. mistreated by the coach and the federation, there's no place left in the team. Maybe this is one of the things they have to do. But talking about it now doesn't solve the problem," Rapinoe told the American Atlantic newspaper.
During the award ceremony of the World Cup 2023 for the Spanish women's team, Rubiales controversially kissed Hermoso on the lips. Despite quickly apologizing, the RFEF president still received a storm of criticism.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Rubiales' apology was not enough to justify this unacceptable act. Justice Minister Irene Montero described the act of "forcible marriage" as a form of sexual assault.
Despite strong opposition, Rubiales and the RFEF have no intention of changing the president. This prompted Victor Francos, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee (CDS), to declare that if the RFEF doesn't penalize Rubiales, they will.
"There is another image that shows the depth of misogyny and sexism in RFEF and Rubiales. At the end of the final, the man performed an act of offensive joy, by grabbing his groin. What kind of paradox are we in? Jenni Hermoso was supposed to have fun on the biggest stage, but ended up being physically harassed by that man," Rapinoe said.
Rapinoe has won the World Cup twice and is one of the most influential players in women's football. She played an important role in the campaign calling for fairness in prize money for male and female players in the US. In addition to players, Rapinoe is also known as a feminist activist.
According to Rapinoe, having the majority of players in the squad playing together at Barca has brought success to the Spanish women at the 2023 World Cup. "There is a football philosophy ingrained in them, which has brought the championship title. enemy for Spain," she said.
