England head coach Sarina Wiegman said the Spanish women’s team “deserves to be listened to” as she dedicated her UEFA women’s coach of the year award to the squad.
Spain beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final earlier this month, but their celebrations were overshadowed by the actions of Spanish FA (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales.
As the team went up to collect their winners’ medals, Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, which the Spain forward later said she did not consent to.
Rubiales, who said last week he would not resign over the incident, was suspended by FIFA at the weekend while regional leaders from the RFEF have requested Rubiales stands down.
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Speaking at the draw for the men’s Champions League draw in Monaco on Thursday, Wiegman addressed the situation.
“Accepting this trophy feels a little bit different,” she said. “We all know the issues with the Spanish football team. It really hurts me as a coach, as a mother of two daughters, as a wife and as a human being.
“It also showed me that there is a long way to go in women’s football and in society. I’d like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team. A team that played such great football that everyone enjoyed. This…
 president Luis Rubiales. As the team went up to collect their winners’ medals, Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, which the Spain forward later said she did not consent to. Rubiales, who said last week he would not resign over the incident, was suspended...){kind=link}