It was the kiss that rocked the world—now Foreign Correspondent exposes the toxic culture behind Spain’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.
In the wake of Luis Rubiales’ shocking on-stage kiss, ABC’s Europe Correspondent Kathryn Diss speaks to football stars, including Alexia Putellas and Laia Codina, revealing disturbing allegations of abuse and sexism that players say have plagued Spanish women’s football for years.
From ABC:
It was the kiss that shocked the world and triggered Spain’s “Me Too” moment.
As the Spanish national team claimed football’s ultimate prize, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in Sydney, they shared their triumph with a global TV audience of over 200 million people.
But their joy was short lived. Within minutes of winning, the head of Spanish football, Luis Rubiales, kissed star striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips. Rubiales would eventually be charged with sexual assault and coercion, and his trial is now underway in Madrid.
But Rubiales’ behaviour was not an isolated incident. In this episode of Foreign Correspondent former players and staff reveal how they have endured a culture of toxic misogyny for years.
The ABC’s Europe Correspondent Kathryn Diss talks to the football stars who were there on the night, including two-time Ballon d’or winner Alexia Putellas and up and coming Arsenal star Laia Codina.
They describe their world cup victory as “bittersweet”. With all eyes now on the Rubiales trial the players are hoping this day of reckoning will forever change the appalling way women have been treated in the sport they love.
