Rubiales-Rapinoe-USWNTGetty/GOAL

'Deep level of misogyny and sexism' - USWNT star Megan Rapinoe slams Luis Rubiales for Jenni Hermoso kiss & 'grabbing his crotch' after Spain's World Cup final victory

  • Spain beat England to win Women's World Cup
  • Rubiales kissed Barcelona star Jenni Hermoso
  • Has since apologised for his actions

WHAT HAPPENED? Rubiales was caught on camera kissing Hermoso during the medal presentation after Spain's 1-0 final victory over England, something he has since apologised for. He was also spotted making an obscene gesture from his seat, and Rapinoe has called out his "misogyny".

WHAT THEY SAID: The United States women's national team star told The Atlantic: "It made me think about how much we are required to endure. Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder: Some of the players who stood up way back last year (in protest at poor treatment from their federation and their coach) still aren’t on the team. Maybe that was something that galvanized them, but you shouldn’t have to have that.

"There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man at the final whistle, justgrabbinghis crotch. What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Spain overcame a number of hurdles to become world champions; they managed to win the competition without 12 first-team players, who withdrew themselves from selection in a bid to force the Spanish football federation into action when it comes to the women's game.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Rapinoe USAGetty

RubialesGetty Images

Spain Women celebrations Women's World Cup 2023Getty Images

WHAT NEXT? Spain will next be in action in September, taking on Sweden to kick off the Nations League.

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