Spain's Women's League players strike for dignified wages amidst 'Luis Rubiales federation controversy'
Spain's women's league — have initiated a strike, protesting for what they deem a dignified minimum wage. This move comes on the heels of Spain's FIFA Women's World Cup winners vowing not to represent their country in their battle against sexism within the nation's soccer federation.
The strike, which has disrupted the beginning of Liga F's second season, has gained momentum amid the turmoil caused by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Rubiales received harsh criticism after kissing a Spain player on the lips without her consent during an awards ceremony in Sydney, Australia, following Spain's final victory against England on August 20.
This episode sparked indignation in Spain, drawing attention away from the country's amazing rise in women's soccer during the last decade. Despite this progress, female players continue to fight for a salary increase that, if granted, would only be a tenth of what their male colleagues make in La Liga.
The current minimum salary for women's league players is 16,000 euros (USD 17,400) before taxes, compared to the guaranteed 182,000 euros (USD 197,000) for men in La Liga.
According to league statistics, 80 of the 334 female players make less than 20,000 euros (USD 21,400) per year, with the average income hovering around 40,000 euros (USD 42,800).
Keka Vega, a former player representing the AFE player's union, sees the widespread condemnation of Rubiales as an opportune moment for players to advocate for their rights.
