England manager Sarina Wiegman dedicated her UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year award to the triumphant World Cup-winning Spanish team.
The gesture comes in the wake of a controversial incident that marred the celebrations.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino condemned the unfortunate events, stating, “Sadly, the well-deserved celebrations for these magnificent champions were spoiled by what happened after the final whistle.”
Infantino emphasized that immediate actions were taken by Fifa’s disciplinary bodies in response.
The Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, has faced considerable backlash for his actions during the presentation ceremony.
Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips, an act that was later revealed to be non-consensual. The incident prompted widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
Sarina Wiegman, recognizing the significance of the moment, urged respect and understanding. “The victorious Spain players deserve to be listened to,” she emphasized.
During the award ceremony, Wiegman led the audience in applauding the Spanish team, emphasizing their contributions to the sport.
Acknowledging the challenges that women’s football and society continue to face, Wiegman highlighted the need for progress. “The game has grown so much, but there is a long way to go in women’s football and society,” she said.
“I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team, the team that played such great football that everyone enjoyed.”
Infantino also weighed in, stating, “On our side, we should continue to focus on how further to support women and women’s football in the future, both on and off the pitch.”
The incident has prompted a broader conversation about respect, equality, and the steps needed to advance women’s football.
Key Quotes:
- Sarina Wiegman: “It really hurts me as a coach, a mother of two daughters, as a wife and a human being. And it shows, the game has grown so much, but there is a long way to go in women’s football and society.”
- Gianni Infantino: “Sadly, the well-deserved celebrations for these magnificent champions were spoiled by what happened after the final whistle.”
- Gianni Infantino: “On our side, we should continue to focus on how further to support women and women’s football in the future, both on and off the pitch.”
