“There are a lot of problems” of sexism in and around women’s football, PSG captain and French team player Grace Geyoro said on Thursday, referring to the controversy shaking the Spanish federation.
Asked at a press briefing at Camp des Loges about the wave of indignation that targeted Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales after his forced kiss to Jenni Hermoso, a few minutes after his victory in the World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand on 20 August, Grace Geyoro replied: “We prefer not to see this kind of thing”.
“The Spanish are united, they demonstrate it” by their revolt against Rubiales and their ex-coach Jorge Vilda, close to the leader, and sacked on Tuesday, she added.
Sexism continues to be rife around women in football? “There are a lot of problems around all this, it didn’t start now and it’s not going to end now,” lamented the midfielder.
However, she felt that “this World Cup was a great success, we had an incredible experience, we must keep this good image of Spain and women’s football.”
“We must not forget that they are world champions, congratulations it is deserved”, underlined Grace Geyoro, regretting that the affair eclipsed the sporting aspect.
Concerning the French team, eliminated in the quarter-finals by Australia, Grace Geyoro said: “I can’t wait to wear this blue jersey and reunite with this exceptional team, we only have good memories.”
At PSG, the player was delighted that “very good news” could be announced soon regarding her extension, she who was at one time expected to join Chelsea.
The sporting director of the PSG women’s team, Angelo Castellazzi, for his part indicated that the PSG would attach before the end of the transfer window, on September 20, the services of a promising attacker from a Chinese club – without revealing his identity.
The Parisiennes are orphans of Kadidiatou Diani, the striker of the France team who decided to join the eternal rivals of Olympique Lyonnais in the summer, in a tense climate.
If “the level is rising everywhere”, “we play to win all competitions”, starting with the Champions Trophy on Sunday against Lyon, assured Angelo Castellazzi, former assistant to Leonardo when he was sports director of PSG.