Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati has insisted things “have not changed” for female footballers in Spain, despite their 2023 Women’s World Cup victory.
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Spain's 2023 World Cup win surrounded by controversyBonmati says things have not changedPraises Women's Super League over Liga FGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Spain's Women's World Cup victory in Australia saw a lot of controversy regarding the treatment of female footballers after the Spanish federation president, Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations after La Roja defeated England in the final. The incident saw a lot of attention shift toward the treatment of players in Spain, however, Bonmati maintains that the situation has not changed after the incident.
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In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Bonmati said: "There is not anything that has changed. I would like to say that everything has changed and the World Cup gave us more things – but I cannot say that. I compare [it to] when England won the Euros – everything changed.
"But we won the World Cup which I think is bigger than winning the Euros and no, it never changed, especially in the league. We are having the same problems as always. We have a lot of problems."
"First of all I think the people are thinking of playing in England because you in England are doing things so well. You treat women's football good. You give power to the players and to the league.
"For example, here in Spain, I cannot say the same. I see also that the league in England is competitive and every year they are putting more money into it to develop it. They are making the league more attractive. Arsenal and Manchester City are good teams that can play with the ball and these kinds of teams are searching for players who can play this kind of football. Who [better] to do that than Spanish players?
"On one hand you have the players who want to go to this league because you are treating the football so good, you make the league competitive and you want to play in this league. On the other hand, the clubs also want Spanish footballers that are smart, they can read the game well, have the ball and also we are developing over the last few years our [physicality]."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The problems involving the Spain women's team are well-documented thanks to the player boycott during the World Cup year, legal proceedings, and well-publicized firings following the World Cup final. In the non-consensual kiss case, Rubiales is scheduled to go on trial, despite his repeated denials of any misconduct. Over the past few years, several Spanish footballers have moved to England to compete in the Women's Super League, which is a fully professional league, unlike Liga F.
WHAT NEXT FOR BONMATI?
The Spaniard and Barcelona are set to take on Emma Hayes' Chelsea side in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final clash at home on April 20.