The triumph of Spain's women's national football team at the 2023 World Cup in Sydney should have been a moment of unadulterated national pride. Instead, the victory was immediately overshadowed by the actions of Luis Rubiales, then-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). His unwanted kiss on player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony sparked a national outcry and a global reckoning with sexism in sports. While Rubiales has since been found guilty of sexual assault, the scandal leaves a lingering question: How can Spain reclaim the narrative and ensure that the victory is remembered for the players' achievements, not the president's misconduct?
The immediate aftermath of the scandal saw widespread condemnation of Rubiales' behavior. Hermoso and her teammates refused to play until Rubiales was removed from his position, and many RFEF staff resigned. The Spanish government intervened, mediating an agreement with the federation's interim president to overhaul protocols and provide greater support for the women's side. This included removing "women's" from the official team name, a symbolic step towards equality. Public figures and institutions across Spain criticized Rubiales, with unprecedented support for the women's team from men's players and teams.
In the wake of the scandal, there are concrete steps Spain can take to reclaim their moment. The first involves continuing to support and empower women's football at all levels. This includes investing in resources, infrastructure, and development programs to ensure that female players have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. It also means promoting women in leadership positions within the RFEF and other sporting organizations, ensuring that their voices are heard and their perspectives are considered.
Another key element involves fostering a culture of respect and equality within Spanish football. This requires implementing comprehensive training programs for players, coaches, and administrators to address sexism, harassment, and other forms of discrimination. It also means establishing clear reporting mechanisms for incidents of misconduct, ensuring that victims feel safe and supported in coming forward.
Beyond structural changes, Spain can also reclaim its moment by celebrating the achievements of its female athletes. This includes honoring the World Cup-winning team, showcasing their talent and dedication, and using their platform to inspire future generations of female footballers. It also means promoting women's sports in the media, giving them the same visibility and recognition as men's sports.
The conviction of Luis Rubiales on sexual assault charges marks a significant step forward, but it is not the end of the journey. Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault and was given a fine and ordered to stay away from Hermoso. While he was acquitted of coercion, the ruling underscored the severity of his actions and sent a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Ultimately, reclaiming their moment requires a sustained and collective effort from all stakeholders in Spanish football. By investing in women's football, fostering a culture of respect and equality, and celebrating the achievements of its female athletes, Spain can ensure that the 2023 World Cup victory is remembered as a triumph for the players and a turning point for women's sports, not as a moment tainted by scandal.
