What he did was sexist — Megan Rapinoe blasts Luis Rubiales

Former World Cup winner and Women Rights Activist, Megan Rapinoe has unleashed scathing criticism on Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish football federation, following his controversial actions during the Women’s World Cup final.

Spain secured a historic 1-0 victory over England, but the joyous moment was overshadowed by Rubiales’ conduct during the medal ceremony.

Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed Spain’s player, Jennifer Hermoso, on the lips, a move that garnered global attention and cast a shadow over Spain’s triumph.

Adding to the controversy, Rubiales further exacerbated the situation by labeling his critics as “idiots and stupid people.”

The situation escalated even more when a separate incident emerged: Rubiales was captured on camera grabbing his crotch while in the presence of 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain.

Megan Rapinoe, who made a mark in the recently concluded tournament before exiting in the Round of 16, expressed her vehement disapproval of Rubiales’ actions. In an interview with The Atlantic, Rapinoe stated,

“There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man [Rubiales] at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch. What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy.”

Rapinoe’s criticism underscores the pervasive issues of sexism and mistreatment that women in sports continue to face.

She remarked on the resilience of the Spanish team in light of the challenges they’ve confronted, including standing up against their coach and federation’s treatment.

“Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder: Some of the players who stood up way back last year [to protest treatment by their coach and federation] still aren’t on the team. Maybe that was something that galvanized them, but you shouldn’t have to have that,” Rapinoe added.

Craig Foster, an Australian football personality and former player, echoed Rapinoe’s sentiments.

In a powerful tweet, Foster stated,

“Women in sport are daily subject to an extreme power differential, objectification, harassment, sexual abuse and an absence of agency and power. This is horrific. He should be stood down immediately by FIFA and the Spanish FA.”

The Spanish football federation, already under scrutiny due to issues within the playing squad and management, now faces a barrage of criticism following Rubiales’ actions.

A statement from the Spanish football federation read,

“Based on the latest events that took place during the award ceremony of the Women’s World Cup won by the Spanish National Team last Sunday in Sydney, the Federation wishes to inform that the internal proceedings of the Federation regarding Integrity issues are open, as well as the rest of the applicable protocols.”