It’s approaching two weeks since Spain beat England to take home the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but their victory continues to be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the actions of Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales has faced harsh criticism since he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso during post-match celebrations, but despite being provisionally suspended by Fifa, he has yet to tender his resignation. The events have seen the Spanish women’s team launched into the forefront of a #MeToo-style reckoning – with players and fans across the world speaking out in support of their stance.

And now, in yet another show of solidarity, England manager Sarina Wiegman has spoken out about the Spanish team’s plight, appealing to fans to support them at this pivotal moment. 

Last night, Wiegman was named Uefa’s Women’s Coach Of The Year for 2023 – the second year in a row she’s clinched the award.

But after thanking the England team and staff for their support, she took a moment to pay tribute to the Spanish team, going on to speak powerfully about how the current moment has moved her “as a coach, as a mother of two daughters, as a wife and as a human being”.

“The game has grown so much, but there’s also still a long way to go in women’s football, and in society,” she said. “I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team, the side that played such great football that everyone enjoyed. This team deserves to be celebrated, and deserves to be listened to.”

She concluded: “I’m going to give them a big [round of] applause and I hope you will join me.” 

The Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who played in the World Cup final and was named women’s player of the year, also used her time on stage to address the ongoing situation.

“As a society we must not allow abuse of power in an employment relationship,” she said, in a statement assumed to refer to Rubiales. “To Jenni Hermoso and to all those who suffer the same, know that we are with you.”

Last night’s speeches come after the Lionesses issued a joint statement sharing their support for the Spanish women’s team.

The statement, which was shared on social media by several key players including Leah Williamson, Ella Toone and Lotte Wubben-Moy, came after Hermoso issued a separate statement clarifying that she did not consent to the kiss – directly contradicting claims made by Rubiales.

Speaking as a collective, the Lionesses said: “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.

“The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.” 

Images: Getty