Carmen Domingo: “In the world of football, equality between men and women has never been assumed”

6 min read Jayro sanchez

JAYRO SANCHEZ

Carmen Domingo is a Spanish philologist and feminist writer. Many of her works have focused on research and dissemination of the history of thes women in our country during the 2022th century. In recognition of them, she was appointed curator of Women Writers' Day at the National Library in XNUMX. We spoke with her about the Rubiales case.

On September 10, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, presented his resignation for the non-consensual kiss he gave to one of the players of the Spanish team for the 2023 Women's World Cup, Jennifer Hermoso, in the post-competition celebrations. What arguments has she given for this?

Well, I think none. It does not seem that he is a man who gives them in abundance... In fact, he has rather let the matter fall under its own weight. Although he couldn't do anything else either.

He has been trying to avoid it until the end and, now, when he has already found himself cornered by circumstances and by many more people than he imagined, he has had to resign.

I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT FIFA IS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE, BECAUSE IT SEEMS THAT RUBIALES' CAREER WAS NOT THE MOST HONORABLE

FIFA opened a disciplinary procedure against him, but apparently did not take further action against him before his resignation. Would it have been your responsibility to do so?

We should not downplay the unacceptable nature of the situation he caused with Jennifer Hermoso or the fact that he touched his genitals in the middle of the competition.

However, I am much more surprised that FIFA is concerned about this specific issue when it seems that Rubiales' career was not the most honorable, according to the information that has been appearing in the media in recent days.

I suppose that the scandal has been the necessary excuse that was sought to expel this character.

If the veracity of all the accusations that are coming to light were confirmed, one would wonder how it is possible that someone like that could remain in that position for years...

The only one is not this man... There are many others of his condition in the football environment. I repeat that it is surprising that we have to find such a small excuse to fire him, taking into account all of his previous performances.

What impression is left by the fact that you resigned before being expelled?

I just think that those who control that world don't care. Let me tell you, they are not acting because they have considered whether this is right or wrong. They are giving speeches to the public, but then they are not going to do anything.

Football is an area in which machismo is quite entrenched. Equality between men and women has not yet been assumed. There is a lot to correct, and there does not seem to be an internalization of the problem.

People are very confident that this is going to mark a before and after for women's sports, but I don't share that feeling. However, perhaps the girls will manage to stand up and achieve some beneficial measure in favor of equality...

THOSE WHO APPLAUDED HIM WERE NOT 17 YEAR OLD KIDS WHO JUST GOT A CONTRACT

Hermoso claims to have received pressure from the RFEF to make statements that justified Rubiales' actions. If true, where does this leave the Federation?

Obviously a very bad one. I still think the same thing I told you before. Didn't you see the video in which she said that she was not going to resign? Everyone who was with him stood up and applauded…

They are all of legal age. We're not talking about 17-year-old kids who just got a contract. Those gentlemen were over 50. If they don't have judgment...

Will the matter have legal consequences?

I almost hope that he does not go to trial, because the terrible law of "only yes means yes" allows him to be sentenced to a prison period of between 8 and 10 years for a kiss, and that is nonsense that destroys the principle of proportionality .

I say all this assuming that what Rubiales has done is brutal, but it cannot be more worthwhile to slap a woman than to kiss her.

The controversy seems to have raised how sexist the world of sports is...

Yes, although we shouldn't even be thinking about whether it is or not now, because it clearly is. It has been this way for so long that it seems to us that it has to be this way out of necessity...

IF WE PUT A WOMAN AS THE COACH OF A MEN'S FOOTBALL TEAM, NO ONE WOULD VIEW IT WELL

Is football, in particular, a sport where machismo prevails?

I think yes. If we put a woman as coach of a men's soccer team, no one would see it well. We would be scandalized if she walked into her locker room when they were showering. On the other hand, when she has gone the other way, she has not been a problem for anyone.

What should be done to avoid this type of situation?

I can't tell you what measures should be taken, but it is evident that not just one, but several should be taken. The main thing is to ensure that all members of the fans, managers and members of international sports teams integrate in their heads the idea that equality between men and women in this field must be achieved.

In your book Cancelled. The new McCarthyism, you expose the idea that the so-called "cancellation" phenomenon represents a danger to freedom of expression. Because?

The reason can be found in the very definition of the term "cancellation", which is a social manifestation in which an individual or group is publicly criticized with the aim of destroying its image in front of others. Thus, he is forced to stop expressing his opinion.