Spain’s Women’s National Team Faces Challenge Amidst Ongoing Sexual Assault Controversy
Lüdenscheid, Germany – Just hours after the announcement of former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales’ conviction for sexual assault against World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish women’s national team will begin the defense of their UEFA Nations League title against Belgium on Friday in an environment still heavy with controversy and trauma.
For months, the Spanish players have attempted to put the affair, which sparked international outrage, behind them but as the wounds remain unhealed, they must once again set aside the noise and focus on their on-field performance.
At a press conference on Thursday, coach Montse Tomé and captain Irene Paredes, both of whom testified in the trial, were unable to avoid questions about Rubiales’ conviction to a fine of 10,800 euros for forcibly kissing Hermoso and took distinct positions on the matter.
Paredes, a defender for FC Barcelona who learned of the news on Thursday afternoon while taking a train to Valencia, where the match against Belgium will be played, praised the conviction as "just" for the sexual assault but expressed disappointment that the former head of Spanish soccer was acquitted of coercion.
She stated that this sentiment was shared by the entire team, several of whom also testified during the trial. "From this point forward, what more can we say? We respect the justice system and are concentrating on tomorrow’s match," she added.
Her coach declined to comment on the ruling, expressing only her wish to be able to finally open "a new chapter" where she can "speak solely about football." Tomé did concede that the situation remains "difficult" for her players, even though she believes she can count on "great professionals" to successfully defend their Nations League title, with two high-profile encounters against Belgium and England, La Roja’s opponent in the 2023 World Cup final.
When questioned about the absence of Hermoso, 34, the all-time leading scorer for Spain but now in the twilight of her career, Tomé reiterated that her decisions were purely sporting and preferred to discuss the players who were called up. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is also missing from the squad formed by the former FC Barcelona player, but due to a sprained left ankle.
Two other 2023 World Cup champions, Irene Paredes and Salma Paralluelo, who also play for Barça, are returning after several months of injury setbacks.
Catalan superstar Aitana Bonmati will be present in midfield, as will Arsenal defender Laia Codina, who admitted to being deeply affected by the various developments in the trial, in which she also participated.
"The day after I testified, I wasn’t the same. I had a weight lifted off my shoulders. When I returned from Madrid, I had a match that same afternoon. I was on the bench and I thought to myself: I don’t know if I’m ready to play. Emotionally, it was very difficult," she confided to Spanish public television.
"There are things that we must learn to advance our society, and I think that with what has happened now, we will draw lessons from it, and I hope that the situations that we are experiencing will not be repeated in the future," she added.
