Last summer, Beatriz Álvarez, the new president of the Spanish women’s soccer league, sought to meet with the chief of the country’s soccer federation to discuss the growth and improvement of women’s soccer in Spain. However, Luis Rubiales, the president of the soccer federation, refused to meet with her and instead suggested that she focus on her maternity responsibilities. This incident was just one example of the systemic sexism that women in Spanish soccer have faced for years.
The issue came to a head when Spain won the World Cup and Rubiales forcibly kissed the star player, Jenni Hermoso, during a live television interview. In response, Hermoso filed a criminal complaint, accusing Rubiales of sexual aggression. This incident sparked a reckoning within women’s soccer in Spain, leading to the firing of the national coach, Jorge Vilda, and widespread calls for change.
Numerous women involved in Spanish soccer have spoken out about the sexism they have endured, ranging from paternalism and offhand remarks to verbal abuse. Women have been subjected to bedtime checks and ordered to leave their hotel doors open at night. One high-ranking official resigned after realizing her hiring was mere window dressing. Former national team captain Veronica Boquete recalled comments made by previous coaches, such as saying, “What you really need is a good man and a big penis.”
Rubiales has become the face of this sexist system, leading Álvarez to label him an “egocentric chauvinist.” However, players believe that his departure alone is not enough to solve the deep-rooted issues in Spanish soccer. They are demanding higher wages, contracts that cover maternity leave, and access to the same resources as male players.
Ana Muñoz, the former vice president for integrity at the soccer federation, resigned due to ethical concerns, including a questionable deal to move a soccer competition to Saudi Arabia and allegations that federation money was used to host a sex party. Muñoz described her time at the federation as being treated like a decoration.
Female players attempted to bring about change by refusing to play under the now-fired national coach, Vilda. However, Rubiales refused to fire Vilda and instead required the players to apologize for their actions. Some players were further angered when Rubiales announced plans to renew Vilda’s contract and give him a raise.
Rubiales has long resisted professional women’s soccer and has opposed the creation of a unionized league. According to Spain’s National Sports Council, Rubiales questioned the affordability of creating an official women’s league, but many suspect he simply didn’t want to relinquish power to the women’s teams.
Sexism in Spanish soccer is not a new phenomenon. Decades ago, female players encountered demeaning comments, and even today, comments from top officials continue to perpetuate these beliefs. Álvarez has accused the soccer federation of attempting to sabotage the women’s league by orchestrating a referee strike.
The mistreatment of women in Spanish soccer is not unique to the country. Other nations have also grappled with similar issues. However, players and advocates are determined to bring about change and fight for equality within the sport.
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