We have all seen and read about the controversy related to the Rubiales kiss and his crotch-grabbing triumphalism. It is my opinion that his behaviour was more crass than criminal. He should resign even if he and his mother feel that he did nothing wrong: and before the public clamour, for something to be done about his behaviour, leads to his dismissal.
In my opinion the football authorities are more to blame than Rubiales, because Rubiales should not have been on the stage in the first place and neither should any other of the dignitaries from the winning or losing states. It would have been sufficient for prominent women of both the hosting states , Australia and New Zealand, to be handing out the cup and the medals: this would have lead to a more dignified occasion.
Football has lost its way because it is being run by men who are unable to resist the temptation of commercialism, jingoistic triumphalism and egoistic exhibitionism.
Footballers have been encouraged to dance around platforms when they win and embrace the blatant commercialism and the public relations jamboree. There must always be a winner, so much so that football has to have a penalty shoot-out when there is a draw. This does not select the best team of the tournament. Knock out competitions rarely do. There must be a winner demanded by commercial interests and the TV and social media schedules. A draw is unacceptable for them.
The pressure to win, at all costs, has lead to teams cheating and fouling and generally bringing the game into disrepute.
The growth of the women's game gives women the opportunity to make the sport better. However, I fear that the female version will be dragged down to the level of the men's game. It is time for women to take charge and prevent this from happening just for the love of sport.
