It was a jarring moment. Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), pulls in top Spanish scorer Jenni Hermoso with both arms. Her own hand keeps a tight hold on the golden trophy she has just helped win for her side. Then Rubiales grips both sides of her head, brings her in for a kiss, and finally lets go. She walks away as quickly as she can.

There followed an international outcry. Trying to dampen the criticism, the RFEF released a statement from Hermoso and Rubiales calling the kiss "a totally spontaneous mutual gesture". But then Hermoso said she had not wanted the kiss at all, and accused the RFEF of pressuring her into making the statement.

As worldwide condemnation grew, Rubiales was expected to resign. But he instead decried a "witch huntAn attempt to find a particular group of people who are being blamed for something. Between 1500 and 1660, many innocent people were accused of being witches and killed in Europe. " against him and refused to step down.

Then 79 players, including the entire squad that won the World Cup, pledged to boycottTo withdraw relations from an organisation as a punishment or protest. The word comes from the surname of a Victorian Irish landlord who was subject to a boycott from poor farmers who demanded rent reduction. the national team. The RFEF once again doubled down in defence of Rubiales, threatening to sue them.

It took a decision by FIFAThe Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football. to suspend Rubiales over the weekend to force their hand.

For most observers, this battle is part of a much bigger war between two Spains: one old and patriarchalA society in which adult men have a monopoly on power. In these societies, men tend to hold all political positions, and women and children are also expected to obey the men in their families., the other modern and feministSomeone who calls for women's rights and equality of the sexes. .

It is not the first time women in Spanish football have united to resist powerful and abusive men. Before the World Cup, 15 national players refused to play under coach Jorge Vilda, accusing him of controlling behaviour and incompetence.

Again, the RFEF rallied round their man and punished their own team members for daring to stand up to him. But throughout the tournament, the remaining players conspicuously ignored Vilda during their celebrations.

The pattern is clear: women will no longer stay quiet in the face of male abuse. But men are not yet ready to give up their power.

The same battle is taking place in the streets of Spain. In 2018, 5.3 million workers joined a "feminist strike" to protest against discrimination, domestic violence and unequal pay.¹ Feminists have organised huge annual marches on International Women's DayIWD originated in the socialist movement in the early twentieth century and was first adopted by the USSR. It became international in 1977 when it was adopted by the UN..

That is why some are hoping that the Rubiales episode will be a final reckoning for machismo: a Spanish word referring to a culture of exaggerated masculine pride.

It dictates that men are supposed to provide for and protect their families. Women are not supposed to work and earn for themselves, and they should deferSubmit to the opinion of someone else. to men, even in the face of abuse and violence.

The Spanish footballers' protests are a direct assault on this culture. They are insisting that they have the right to live free of violence and male power.

But others fear machismo is only on the back foot. This year is already seeing a backlash against feminist gains.

Last month, the right-wing People's Party, which has become much more conservative in recent years, won national elections. It is likely to forge an alliance with far-right Vox, which wants new laws restricting women's rights.

Yes: Machismo can only survive for as long as women accept it, or are too afraid to speak up. But they have shown they will not be silent. When people refuse to respect it, machismo cannot last long.

No: Despite international pressure, the Spanish FA has stuck up for abusive men. Clearly, men are not yet ready to give up their power. Now they are turning to politics to shore up their position.

Or... The successes of the feminist movement are likely to ebb and flow. But in the long term, if men have to impose machismo by force instead of consent, it is doomed to fail.