Spain won the Women's World Cup but fans remember the scandal more than the victory. Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso without permission after the final match. The football boss claimed she agreed to the kiss but Hermoso said no. Courts found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault and he lost his job. His mother went on hunger strike to defend him.
The entire squad refused to play for Spain until Rubiales stepped down. Amanda Gutierrez from the players union said the women feared for their careers. The boycott lasted nearly a month before officials promised major changes. Government pressure helped force the football federation to give better working conditions. Progress has been slow according to union leaders.
Montse Tome became the new head coach after Jorge Vilda left. Players liked Tome when she worked as assistant coach. Her appointment upset many people who wanted a bigger name for world champions. Tome guided Spain to Nations League victory but failed at the Olympics. The federation believes promoting from within works better than hiring outsiders.
Jenni Hermoso missed selection for Euro 2025 despite playing well in qualifiers. Reporters say performance issues caused her absence rather than punishment for speaking out. Two Barcelona players returned after missing the World Cup over previous disputes with management. The squad looks more united heading into the European tournament. Experts give Spain a 25 percent chance of winning the championship.
The entire squad refused to play for Spain until Rubiales stepped down. Amanda Gutierrez from the players union said the women feared for their careers. The boycott lasted nearly a month before officials promised major changes. Government pressure helped force the football federation to give better working conditions. Progress has been slow according to union leaders.
Montse Tome became the new head coach after Jorge Vilda left. Players liked Tome when she worked as assistant coach. Her appointment upset many people who wanted a bigger name for world champions. Tome guided Spain to Nations League victory but failed at the Olympics. The federation believes promoting from within works better than hiring outsiders.
Jenni Hermoso missed selection for Euro 2025 despite playing well in qualifiers. Reporters say performance issues caused her absence rather than punishment for speaking out. Two Barcelona players returned after missing the World Cup over previous disputes with management. The squad looks more united heading into the European tournament. Experts give Spain a 25 percent chance of winning the championship.
