Putellas calls for 'courage and leadership' to overcome abuse in women's game

Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas has called for authorities to show 'courage and leadership' to eliminate 'abuse' and a lack of respect from the women's game.

The World Cup winner referenced the Luis Rubiales saga - whose kiss on the lips of Putellas' team-mate Jenni Hermoso eventually resulted in the Spanish football federation (RFEF) president resigning - as proof attitudes need to change.

'We feel passion for our job, that of being soccer players. We are here to stay, to help those who will come because there is still a long way to go,' the 29-year-old said at a ceremony to present her and her Barcelona team-mates with the Medal of Honour for services to women's football from the Catalan government.

'These days we have seen it with the serious situation that we are experiencing with the RFEF and the changes that we are requesting so that no woman, both inside and outside of football, never again has to experience situations such as lack of respect or abuse.

'We need consensus, courage and leadership from the institutions please and that is why we will not stop here, we will join those who have fought before us.

'We will join together for the effort we make every day and we will join all the girls and boys who today dream of being like us.

'We will not fail you, long live women's sport and long live Barca.'

England boss Sarina Wiegman has stressed the importance of celebrating Spain's players after they were overshadowed by the Rubiales saga.

Rubiales insists the kiss was consensual but Hermoso denies that and has submitted a complaint to the national prosecutor's office.

It has been reported an investigation into Rubiales, who has been suspended by FIFA, has been opened by a high court judge.

Wiegman last month dedicated her