Reuters
[Source: Reuters]
Spain’s brilliant victory at the Women’s World Cup was almost immediately overshadowed by a controversial kiss which proved that despite a great deal of progress in the women’s game more structural change is needed.
Former Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales was banned for three years from all football-related activities after kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, allegedly without consent, following the final in Australia in August.
While the tournament, also co-hosted by New Zealand, was judged a huge success the players returned to their clubs where they earn a fraction of what their male counterparts get.
The lack of financial security is one reason cited as why many players are afraid to speak out about what they see as inequalities and mistreatment.
One player at a club in the Women’s Super League in England was pulled from the squad just minutes before a pre-season friendly and told that a car was coming to collect her as she had been transferred.
Neither the player nor her agent had been consulted about the deal.
The player told Reuters she wanted to remain anonymous due to fears about getting a reputation as a troublemaker and damaging her future employment prospects.
Yet for all the difficulties players faced the action on the pitch reached a standard never seen before as fans flocked to stadiums around the world to watch both domestic games and internationals.
Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
