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SCMP Editorial

The Fifa Women’s World Cup was a big success, boosting the global image of the sport and showcasing the rapid development of female football. But the controversy that has engulfed winners Spain after their impressive victory suggests there is still much work to be done.
A kiss was the cause of the crisis. Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales kissed star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony.
He claimed the embrace was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
Hermoso disagreed, saying the kiss was an “impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part”. She said it made her feel vulnerable and the victim of an assault.

The incident caused a storm, with calls for the unrepentant Rubiales to resign. Hermoso is among 81 women players to go on strike.
Hundreds of people joined a protest in Madrid and a petition has been launched.
Rubiales has been suspended for 90 days by world governing body Fifa, which has started disciplinary proceedings. Spain’s national court has initiated a preliminary inquiry into whether the kiss amounts to sexual assault.
The country’s sports court might also act.
Meanwhile, the football chief’s conduct has been widely condemned. Regional presidents of the country’s football federation have called for him to step down.
Spain vows larger role for women in sport as Rubiales asked to resign over kiss
His position is becoming untenable.
The controversy, described by some as a #MeToo moment for football, comes as Spain faces up to broader issues concerning women’s rights. Thousands have protested against sexual abuse and laws have been passed in areas such as equal pay and abortion rights.
Ultimately, Rubiales’ fate will be decided by inquiries under way, if not by the groundswell of public opinion against him. His conduct, as Spain’s deputy prime minister said, was shameful and unacceptable.
Women footballers around the world are finally getting the recognition they deserve. But they often have to overcome deep-rooted discrimination and prejudice to succeed.
It must be eradicated. The rise of women’s football is doing much to bring down barriers. It is a great shame that Spain’s triumph has been marred by the kissing controversy.
But the strong backlash has raised awareness and should help bring change.


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Fifa Women's World Cup

Foul play by Spanish football chief spoils the game

Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales’ kissing Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony triggered a protest and a crisis for the sport. Photo: EPA-EFE

Spanish defender Rocio Galvez (20) is congratulated by Rubiales (right) after Spain won the Fifa Women’s World Cup final. Photo: AFP

Mother of Spain’s football chief on hunger strike amid World Cup kiss furore she calls ‘inhumane treatment’ of her son

Angeles Bejar, left, mother of the head of Spain’s soccer federation Luis Rubiales at the entrance to la Divina Pastora church in Motril, Granada, where she has confined herself. Photo: EPA-EFE

People take part in a protest to demand the resignation of the president of the royal Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales in Madrid on August 25. Photo: EPA-EFE

Women’s World Cup kiss: Spain promise larger role for women in sport as Rubiales asked to resign

People protest in Madrid following a kiss between Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales and Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup Final. Photo: Reuters

People protest in Madrid on Monday following a kiss between Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales and Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup Final. Photo: AP

Demonstrators gather in the center of Madrid for an anti-Rubiales protest and to support Spain player Jenni Hermoso on Monday. Photo: AP

Spain’s Minister for Culture and Sport Miquel Iceta (left) and Minister for Territorial Policy Isabel Rodriguez announced that the Spanish Government will solicit the suspension of Luis Rubiales. Photo: EPA-EFE

Women’s World Cup kiss: Spanish football federation asks president Luis Rubiales to resign

Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales at last weekend’s Women’s World Cup final in Australia. Photo: Reuters 

Spain’s Jenni Hermoso and RFEF chief Luis Rubiales after the Women’s World Cup final match in Australia on August 20. Photo: RFEF / Handout via Reuters

People protest against Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales at Plaza Callao, Madrid, Spain on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Spanish ministers slam unconsented kiss for World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso as ‘an aggression’

Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso celebrates after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Photo: 

Spain’s forward Jenni Hermoso celebrates scoring the opening goal during the women’s international friendly football match between Spain and Norway in April. File photo: AFP

Fifa Women’s World Cup: Spain PM Sanchez says football boss apology over unsolicited kiss ‘insufficient’

Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kisses Spain’s Aitana Bonmati after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Photo: dpa

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Luis Rubiales decision to kiss Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup “an unacceptable gesture”. Photo: EPA-EFE

Luis Rubiales, the head of Spain’s football federation, has apologised for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips. Photo: Reuters

Jenni Hermoso in the Women’s World Cup final. Photo: AFP

Opinion

Comment

Kiss for player after Spanish Women’s World Glory has turned into a crisis and become a #MeToo moment for the sport


Kiss for player after Spanish Women’s World Glory has turned into a crisis and become a #MeToo moment for the sport.


Fifa

Spain

Gender

Sexual harassment and assault

Women and gender

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Foul play by Spanish football chief spoils the game

Kiss for player after Spanish Women’s World Glory has turned into a crisis and become a #MeToo moment for the sport