Women’s World Cup: The tournament was one of record attendances, huge global audiences, and teams breaking new ground.
However, the tournament was marred with several incidents which distracted some section of football enthusiasts from momentous achievements on the pitch.
Recall we reported that when Spain’s football team stepped on to the podium on Sunday to receive their trophy after winning the Women’s World Cup, their skills, resilience and historic achievement were adored by the cheering fans but something else caught the attention of people.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup closing ceremony saw a viral video clip of Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips which sparked reaction from pundits, fans and players alike.
The incident was capitalized on by US player Megan Rapinoe, who claimed that women footballers are “playing two games at the same time”.
Rapinoe added that: “One, we’re playing all against each other. And then the other one, we’re all playing together to win equality and progress and what we deserve.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup started off against discussions and disputes across nations over equal pay, bonuses, and other financial support.
Then, it was accompanied by Rubiale’s infamous kiss and the Nike’s decision not to make replica goalkeeper shirts.
Well, Futballnews brings you the three controversial Women’s World Cup moments which speak on the issues women footballers still face.
Gianni Infantino’s Speech
Infantino has always been in the news and always raises eyebrows. Recall back in November 2022, the most powerful man in global football made a speech on the eve of the Qatar men’s World Cup which generated controversy.
Speaking in a news conference before the men’s World Cup in Qatar, he said “Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker.”
The FIFA President was criticized for the comments and were described “as crass as they were clumsy”.
Infantino in another conference just nine months later and addressing “all the women”, said to them they “have the power to change”.
He also added in regards to the World Cup that: “Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights. You have the power to change. You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don’t have to do. You do it. Just do it. With men, with Fifa, you will find open doors. Just push the doors.”
The FIFA president was criticized for that speech with The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde calling his words “patronizing women beyond belief”.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan said the comments were also “ridiculous and reductive”, with another commentator Jacqui Oatley calling it “nonsense”.
Players were not always happy about the statement as Norway forward Ada Hegerberg shared a sarcastic post saying she was “working on a little presentation to convince men”.
At this point, Infantino had already drawn attention to himself owing to the fact that he has four daughters.
Sunak and Prince William’s absences from the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday, 20th August, were also notable.
Spain’s Kiss-Gate At The Women’s World Cup
Spain’s tournament build-up was marred with unrest as players revolted, but despite winning the tournament for the first time, they faced negative attention because of the actions of the man at the top of their federation.
Following Rubiales grabbing his crotch in celebration while standing near Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, he still displayed unacceptable behavior at the podium.
As he was greeting the Spanish team for their maiden World Cup win, he grabbed Jenni Hermoso by the head before forcibly planting a kiss on her lips, with millions of eyes watching.
As Hermoso walked past, he continued his kissing frenzy with her other teammates on the cheek and hugged every one of them.
He later informed them that they must visit Ibiza, as that would be where he would marry Hermoso as they celebrate their World Cup triumph.
Hermoso addressed the issue while speaking during a live Instagram session and said: “I did not enjoy it.”
She also went on to add that: “It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings.”
“The president and I have a great relationship, his behavior with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.”
The country’s politicians said it was a “form of sexual violence” that cannot be “normalized”.
On Tuesday, Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called it an “unacceptable gesture”, while another politician called on him to resign.
Rubiales did admit that he was “completely wrong”, after a worldwide backlash, but an emergency Spanish FA meeting on Friday may result in further action.
Recall we reported that Megan Rapinoe also blasted Rubailes for the action saying his actions “signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation.”
She also went on to add “It made me think about how much we are required to endure.”
“What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni [Hermoso] has to be physically assaulted by this guy.”
Jersey Fight And Player Support
This is one story that will always run and has no sign of a solution any time soon.
Despite showing excellence and perseverance in the competition, a lot of players are unhappy that fans are unable to buy a replica of their jerseys.
England’s goalkeeper Mary Earps in particular showed heroics but manufacturers Nike reportedly did not have women’s goalkeeper kits on public sale as part of their commercial strategy.
However, a quick search online finds an England men’s goalkeeper shirt readily available to buy.
On Sunday, Nike revealed that they were “working towards solutions for future tournaments”.
At the time of writing this piece, a petition calling on Nike to re-think their decision has amassed more than 130,000 signatures.
Earps, however, responded to Nike’s statement on Instagram, writing: “Is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/a powerful statement of intent?”.
Fans did not wait for these brands, they took matters into their own hands, getting the fabric pens out and fashioning their own versions.
The only two people who were lucky to get hold of Earps’ goalkeeper jerseys were her own parents – proudly wearing the old match shirts in loyal support.
Regardless, the FIFA Women’s World Cup brought about an immense amount of hope and confidence that respect for women’s football is actually headed in the right direction.
