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Spain talisman Alexia Putellas speaks out on Luis Rubiales kiss scandal following Women’s World Cup success.
Alexia Putellas, the Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup champion for Spain, has commented on the Luis Rubiales kissing incident.
For the past two weeks, a story involving Luis Rubiales and Jennifer Hermoso has dominated the news in Spain.
Following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the World Cup final, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso and kissed her, setting off a whirlwind of controversy.
Since then, 81 players have said they will not play for Spain again, and a probe into Rubiales‘ actions has been launched.
He insists that the kiss was “consensual,” and it’s been reported that he sent FIFA a video of Hermoso smiling about the situation. However, the controversy has raised concerns about how female players and teams are treated in comparison to men’s teams.
And La Roja’s talisman, Barcelona star Putellas, feels that the Spanish football organization (RFEF) must take action to advocate for the players.
Since the RFEF requested to be removed from UEFA competitions because of state involvement, the regulatory body declined their request. They haven’t exactly done themselves any favours.
“We all want the same thing, for there be respect for our profession the same as there has been for so many years in the men’s. We fight for that. It is clear that the union between the players is the first step, and I will always defend that the player is a player [first and foremost].” Putellas told TUDN.
“For my generation it’s been up to us to be more than just players to achieve that, but the legacy we want to leave is that they no longer have to worry about these things. It is not our job to be in meetings to get better infrastructures, better facilities.
“We need executives and institutions to fight for that so that we can be focused on what we like and what we believe people deserve [playing football].”