WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Alexia Putellas hits out at the RFEF and stands up for equality in rousing speech
The World Cup winner spoke out regarding the changes to the RFEF as well as standing up for women in sport and society.
Alexia Putellas spoke about the current situation in women’s football in Spain, which has been under a black cloud since the national team won the World Cup in Australia. Barcelona Femení's squad were being awarded the Medal of Honour in the Catalan Parliament on Wednesday 13 September for their contribution to women’s sport when the club captain decided to make a rousing speech for equality.
“We are passionate about our work”, opened Alexia, “being footballers, many of us would never have imagined it. We never thought we could play at a full Camp Nou, let alone breaking the attendance record twice. We never thought we could win what we have won.”
Situation still unclear with the new staff in place
Ever since Spain’s World Cup triumph, the celebrations have been muted due to the kiss that then-Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales gave to Jenni Hermoso during the trophy presentation. Over 80 players signed an agreement saying that while the management structure was in place, they would not accept a call up to the side. As of today, there is still no agreement, despite both Rubiales and ex-manager Jorge Vilda leaving their positions.
Montse Tomé, Jorge Vilda’s number two during his time in charge, has been handed the role as head coach, a move that has brought both praise and criticism over the past few days, with some claiming that the break is not enough and other saying that Spain appointing their first ever female coach as a step in the right direction. It is not known whether or not the players are set to return: Tomé's first squad is set to be announced on Friday.
Alexia addresses “serious situation” with RFEF
“We are here to stay”, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner continued, “to help those players who are coming through because there is still a long way to go. Over the past few days we’ve seen it with the serious situation we have experienced with the RFEF and the changes we are asking for so that no woman, both in and out of football, has to experience abuse or a lack of respect.”
“We need agreement, values and leadership from the institutions, please, and that’s why we are not going to stop here, we will join those who have fought before us and we will join in for the effort we put in every day, we will do it for all the girls and boys who want to, one day, be like us. We will not fail you.”