Wiegman Calls For Change

England boss lauds Spanish players' fight in Rubiales case, says sport needs culture shift

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PORTIMAO – England women's football manager Sarina Wiegman said the culture within the sport needs to change after Spain's former football federation head Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent following the 2023 World Cup final.

On Feb 20, Rubiales was ordered by Spain's High Court to pay a fine of €10,800 (S$15,100) for kissing Hermoso on the lips in front of a global TV audience after Spain beat England to win the World Cup.

The incident during the awards ceremony in Sydney caused a nationwide furore about sexism in Spain – overshadowing the team's World Cup success – and sent shockwaves through the women's game.

“That we have to talk about this again is good because it changes society and I stand with the Spanish players,” Wiegman told ITV on Feb 21, moments after England’s disappointing 1-1 Nations League draw with Portugal in Portimao, where Kika Nazareth’s late goal cancelled out Alessia Russo’s early strike for the Lionesses.