In 2022, a former Washington Commanders employee accused owner Dan Snyder of sexual assault and harassment. The claim came from an incident that occurred in 2009. Schneider would go on to sell the team earlier this year to an ownership group led by Josh Harris for $6 billion. 

Also, last year Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver was accused of racism and misogyny within the Suns organization. He would sell both teams to mortgage-executive Mat Ishbia for $4 billion. 

The latest incident stemmed from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The tournament provided many shocking moments on the pitch, including the United States losing to Sweden in penalty kicks in the Round of 16, as well as Spain beating England in the final to claim the first-ever World Cup title.

However, these usually feel-good moments were overshadowed by what occurred post-game. During the trophy ceremony, Spanish soccer president Luis Rubiales was seen kissing forward Jennifer Hermoso on the lips without her consent.

The next day, Rubiales initially responded to people who condemned his actions by calling them "idiots.” He later took back that claim and the same day released a statement:

"I made a mistake, for sure,” Rubiales said. “People have felt hurt by it. I have to accept it. In a moment of such emotion, without any bad intention or bad faith, what happened, happened, in a very spontaneous way. [There was] no bad faith from either side."

On August 24, four days after the incident, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales and on August 26 suspended him from all football-related activities at national and international levels. The suspension was ad ministered for 90 days, while the disciplinary proceedings are taking place.

FIFA’s investigation prompted the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to open an investigation into Rubiales' actions. Many regional soccer presidents also came out and asked Rubiales to resign as president of RFEF. Due to his resistance to relinquish the position, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Europe's governing body for soccer, called Rubales' behavior inappropriate while Javier Tebas, chief of Spain's top soccer league La Liga, called him a "madman".

From here, it got worse for Rubiales.

As of September 3, many people felt that this incident initiated a widespread feminist movement in Spain protesting sexual inequality in Spanish society. People also considered this Spain's “#metoo” movement.

Three days later on September 6, Hermoso submitted a lawsuit, accusing Rubiales of sexual assault. This later resulted in Rubiales being forced to appear in court on September 15.

On the same day as Rubiales’s court appearance, Spain’s High Court imposed a restraining order against the former Spanish coach. It stated that he could not come within 200 meters of Hermoso. 

As the legal proceedings go on, Spanish players have responded with a threat of boycott of the national team until changes are made. As of September 19, nothing has been done. 

Many of the players for Spain repeatedly stated that they would not compete if their names were listed on the roster for the team's upcoming matches against Sweden and Switzerland on September 22 and 26 respectively. 

This happened around the same time 39 players including 21 of the 23 who played in the Word Club signed a letter condemning RFEF. One player who was not named to the squad for the upcoming matches was Hermoso. 

The inquiry into Rubiales’ actions continues and many will be watching to see if another victory for women's equality can be won.