Women playing two games at same time - Rapinoe

Female footballers campaigning for equality means they are "playing two games at the same time", says former United States winger Megan Rapinoe.

Her career ended with a last-16 exit at the Women's World Cup and she says some had been "waiting for this stumble".

Rapinoe also criticised the "misogyny and sexism" shown by Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales during their win in the final.

"It made me think about how much we are required to endure," said Rapinoe.

Spain's 1-0 win over England in Sydney was overshadowed by Rubiales kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the presentation ceremony.

That came after Rubiales grabbed his crotch as he celebrated victory at the final whistle in the VIP area of Stadium Australia, near Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter.

Spain coach Jorge Vilda survived a player revolt last September, when the RFEF said that 15 players had submitted identical emails saying they would not play for him unless "significant" concerns over their "emotional state" and "health" were addressed.

However, the RFEF continued to back Vilda and posted 'VILDA IN' on Spain's official X account after their World Cup triumph.

In an interview with American magazine the Atlantic, two-time Women's World Cup winner Rapinoe said: "Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder: some of the players who stood up way back last year still aren't on the team. Maybe that was something that galvanised them, but you shouldn't have to have that.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66590777