Canada’s Priestman devastated for World-Cup winning Spain in wake of Rubiales scandal

By: Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press Posted: 4:54 PM CDT Friday, Sep. 8, 2023

TORONTO - Canada coach Bev Priestman says she feels "devastated" for Spain's World Cup-winning team, whose exploits on the pitch have been obscured by the scandal off it involving Luis Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/09/2023 (1122 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO – Canada coach Bev Priestman says she feels “devastated” for Spain’s World Cup-winning team, whose exploits on the pitch have been obscured by the scandal off it involving Luis Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation.

Rubiales kissed Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso during the awards ceremony after Spain beat England to win the title on Aug. 20 in Sydney.

The 46-year-old Rubiales has insisted the kiss was consensual. Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward who plays for Mexican club Pachuca, has denied that in statements issued by her and her players union.

Canada coach Bev Priestman says she is "devastated" for Spain's World Cup-winning team, whose exploits on the pitch have been obscured by the scandal off it involving Luis Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation. Priestman and Canada’s Christine Sinclair react at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, July 31, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Scott Barbour

Spanish state prosecutors have accused Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion.

“Spain were an incredible team, an incredible talent,” Priestman said Friday when asked about the scandal at a virtual availability.

“And that one moment that not many people in the world get to experience — which is winning the World Cup — to have that overshadowed from the minute it happened to even now, I’m devastated for the players for that reason,” she said.

“It should be the height of their career,” she added. “But it probably unearths some problems that still are there in the women’s game … I hope it’s going to be the start of some systemic change that needs to happen.”

FIFA suspended Rubiales from his post on Aug. 27, a day after he refused to step down when he delivered a defiant speech to the general assembly of his federation in which he said he was victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.” He was banned from his post for 90 days while FIFA disciplinary judges consider his case.

Soccer’s governing body can impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.

___

Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2023