CNN –
Spain’s star player Aitana Bonmatí used her UEFA Player of the Year award speech to denounce “abuse of power” following a top official’s unwanted kiss, as the FIFA chief said the team’s World Cup victory celebrations had been “tainted” by the controversy.
Spain’s victory at the World Cup was overshadowed by the storm surrounding Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, after he forcibly kissed striker Jenni Hermoso during celebrations on August 20.
“We just won the World Cup, but nobody talks about it much because things happened that I wish hadn’t happened,” Bonmatí said at the awards ceremony in Monaco on Thursday.
“I would like to talk a little bit about what happened. I think as a society we should not allow abuse of power and lack of respect in a working relationship. So, from my teammate Jenni to all the women who feel the same way, we are with you.
“I hope we continue to work to improve society.”
UEFA, European football’s governing body, honored midfielder Bonmatí for her influential role in helping Barcelona win the Spanish title and Champions League last season, followed by their World Cup triumph with Spain.
After accepting the UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year award, England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman dedicated her award to the Spanish national team who beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final.
After thanking everyone involved with England’s Lionesses, Wiegman said the award “feels a bit different”.
“We all know the problems surrounding the Spanish team and it really hurts me as a coach, as a mother of two daughters, as a wife and as a person,” Wiegman added.
“The sport has grown so much, but there is still a long way to go in women’s football and in society. I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team. The team that played in the World Cup played such great football that everyone had fun.
“This team deserves to be celebrated and deserves to be listened to. I will once again give them a big round of applause and hope you will join me.
On Thursday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement on social media highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding Rubiales.
Without giving details, the head of world football’s governing body said that what happened at the medal ceremony after Spain won the World Cup “should never have happened.”
“Unfortunately… the well-deserved celebrations for these great champions were spoiled by what happened after the final whistle. And what happened in the following days,” he said.
“This should never have happened. But it happened and FIFA’s disciplinary authorities immediately accepted their responsibility and took the necessary measures. The disciplinary process will continue its lawful course.”
Rubiales was provisionally suspended by FIFA on Saturday.
In addition to mounting pressure to resign, Rubiales also faces an investigation that could end in a sexual assault charge by Spanish prosecutors.
Earlier this week, all 19 of the Spanish federation’s regional presidents called for Rubiales’ resignation while also unanimously offering their support for interim president Pedro Rocha, who took over the role following Rubiales’ suspension by FIFA.