Disrespect At All Levels

The actions of a selfish man now defines this year’s Women’s World Cup. 

image c/o Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images 

By Val Hill
Sports Editor
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Yet again Women’s sports finds itself at the mercy of a selfish man’s actions. This time it was the Spanish Women’s World Cup victory over England when player Jenni Hermoso was forcibly kissed by Luis Rubiales, the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation’s President. This sexual misconduct has caused massive outcry in not only the soccer world, but in women’s sports in general. Jenni stated “an impulse-driven, sexist, out of place act without any consent on my part,” when speaking out about the kiss. Since the kiss was caught off camera, Rubiales claims that the kiss was consensual. Despite that, the cries for the removal of Rubiales’s position as President have been numerous.

The cries of the public were subsequently answered, with Rubiales deciding to resign from his position. The Royal Spanish Soccer Federation faced massive backlash not just from the general public, but also saw numerous protests from players, on both the male and female teams. Even some of the coaching staff for the women’s team has resigned in protest. Dozens of female players have stated that they will not be playing for the Spain’s national team until Rubiales’s resignation. Since the resignation has occurred, it is unclear if the players will return to the team. 

This Women’s World Cup shouldn’t be defined by the acts of a selfish man, however this has become the reality for most major women’s sporting events. Today there are more female athletes than in years past, but only become popular in the media’s eyes when a male is somehow involved.  This should never be the case for women’s sports, these women need to be recognized for their athletic achievements, not in response to a man’s selfish action. Actions like this have gone on for far too long in the history of women’s athletics, not only for professional athletes but also for all female athletes across the globe.