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Sarina Wiegman sends classy message to Spain team and weighs in on Luis Rubiales saga
England women's manager Sarina Wiegman has sent a classy message to the World Cup-winning Spain team amid the Luis Rubiales saga.
Sarina Wiegman has broken her silence on the saga surrounding the Spain team following their Women's World Cup success. The England manager has hailed the victorious Spanish side but admitted the aftermath has shown more work is needed on how women are treated in football and society.
Spain beat Wiegman's England side in the final in Sydney on August 20. Olga Carmona's first-half goal was enough to win her country the tournament for the first time.
But much of the triumph has been overshadowed by the incident involving the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, and player Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales grabbed Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the post-match award ceremony.
Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA but has continued to refuse to resign from his position. Nearly all of the Spain coaching team have since left their jobs, while 81 players confirmed last week they would refuse to play for their country until Rubiales is gone.
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Wiegman had so far remained quiet on the subject. The Dutch coach was named UEFA Women's Coach of the Year at a ceremony on Thursday.
After accepting the award she made sure to send a message to the Spain team, congratulating them on their success. She also made her feelings clear on the saga, insisting she has been hurt by the recent goings on.
Wiegman also made sure to start a second round of applause for the Spain side at the event in Monaco. Wiegman said: "Can I send a message please? First of all thanks everyone for voting, especially of course colleagues, it's really special, I'm very honoured. Also thanks to everyone involved with the Lionesses, of course the incredible team, players and staff and support from the FA.
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"But it also feels a little different. We all know the issues around the Spanish team. It really hurts me as a coach, as a mother with two daughters, as a wife and as a human being.
"It shows 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 won the World Cup and played such great football that everyone enjoyed.
"This team deserves to be celebrated and deserves to be listened. I'm going to give them a good applause and I hope you will join me."