World Cup champion Spain willing to sacrifice their own glory to end sexism, abuse

Spain’s soccer federation still doesn’t get it.

Distasteful as Luis Rubiales’ misogynistic behavior and Jorge Vilda’s sense of entitlement were, they also were reflections of a larger problem. Spain’s federation has, for decades, been dismissive and demeaning of its women’s players – when it could be bothered to acknowledge them at all – and the entire organization was steeped in toxic masculinity.

It was evident in the rousing ovation the federation’s general assembly gave Rubiales after his defiant refusal to resign last month. And again in statements put out by the federation slandering Jenni Hermoso and gaslighting every single person who saw Rubiales grab Spain’s all-time leading scorer and kiss her without her consent.

And yet again when the federation, despite claiming to have seen the light, watered down a statement by Spain's men’s team in support of Hermoso and the new World Cup champions, according to The Athletic.

Until that culture of oppression and neglect changes, really changes, ousting Rubiales and Vilda is nothing more than rearranging deck chairs.

“The changes that have been done until now, are not enough for the players to feel they are at a place that is safe where they can perform to their best ability, and that respects and encourages women’s (soccer),” more than three dozen players, including all but two of the World Cup champions, said in a letter Friday explaining why they would not be available for next week’s Nation Leagues games.

Spain’s female players have been clamoring for this change for, oh, about a year now. More than a dozen players were even willing to sacrifice their chance at a World Cup title to bring an end to the lack of respect the federation has historically shown them.

But the World Cup champions are never going to have more leverage than they do now, and they are smart enough to recognize they cannot simply give it away without real reform on the part of the Spanish federation.

The revulsion over Rubiales’ boorish actions at the World Cup final, where in addition to molesting Hermoso he groped himself while standing next to Spain’s queen and her teenaged daughter, has sparked a #MeToo-like reckoning in Spain. Vilda’s arrogance has made people, in Spain and beyond, examine who gets credit and whether it’s really warranted.

Had the players agreed to play in next week’s Nations League games, they’d have let both the federation and society as a whole off the hook.

Spain could make any number of promises to its players without anything to compel federation leaders to follow through on them. By the time it became clear that little, if anything, had really changed, the moment would have passed and the public’s attention would be elsewhere.

“We believe this is the right time to fight against these kinds of behaviors that will be allowed neither in (soccer) nor in our society. And that the current (women’s team) organizational chart needs to change in order to make it into a place that is safe and equal for future generations where players can be treated the way they deserve,” the players said in their letter, posted on social media by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

It is unfortunate and infuriating Spain’s players are having to pay the price for their principles. Their World Cup victory, the country’s first, has been completely overshadowed by Rubiales. Boycotting next week’s Nations League games is likely to cost Spain its first-ever trip to the Olympics.

Spain opens Nations League group play against top-ranked Sweden next Friday. Because only the group winners advance to the Nations League semifinals, where the winners will qualify for next year’s Paris Games, the rematch of the World Cup semifinal is a hugely important game.

Spain’s players should be basking in their incredible accomplishment last month, celebrated by the public off the field and cheered by their fans on it.

Instead, they are having to shine their spotlight on the federation and its continued shortcomings, hoping the embarrassment over their boycott will shame Spain into doing the right thing.

“Everyone has been able to see these events that go far beyond sports,” the players wrote. “We should have zero tolerance to protect our teammates, colleagues and all women.”

Rubiales and Vilda might be gone. But the rot of inherent sexism in Spain's federation, and the blind eye toward it, remains.

USA TODAY's Sofia Alvarez contributed to this report.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.