UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin was left “squirming” awkwardly at the Champions League draw.
That’s after Sarina Wiegman slammed disgraced Spanish president Luis Rubiales while collecting an award on stage.
GettyAleksander Ceferin ‘squirmed’ as Sarina Wiegman won Coach of the Year[/caption]
GettyWiegman dedicated the award to Spain’s Women’s team[/caption]
The England boss was named Women’s Coach of the Year after Man City, Arsenal, Man United and Newcastle discovered their group stage fate.
Wiegman collected her prize after losing the World Cup final to Spain earlier this month.
And she used the moment to dedicate the award to the winning side.
Spanish football is in disarray amid a fallout from the final.
Footy chief Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her permission.
He is refusing to stand down despite receiving a 90-day Fifa ban.
Spain’s players have since gone on strike, while staff have quit their posts to leave controversial boss Jorge Vilda as the last person standing.
Standing next to Uefa boss Ceferin on stage, Wiegman made a passionate speech dedicating her Coach of the Year award to Spain.
APLuis Rubiales is refusing to stand down as Spain FA president after kissing Jenni Hermoso[/caption]
And fans reckoned he was left “squirming” as the Dutch tactician refused to shy away from the elephant in the room.
Wiegman first said: “Can I give a message please?
“First thanks for everyone voting, especially colleagues, it’s been very special and I’m really honoured, also thanks to everyone who’s involved with the Lionesses of course the team, the incredible team, and all the staff and everyone at the FA.
“But of course it feels a little bit different, we all know the issues around the Spanish team, and it really hurts me as a coach, as a mother of two daughters, as a wife and a human being.
“We just talked about 1988 and the game has grown so much, but there’s also a long way to go in women’s football and in society, and I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team, the team that played in the World Cup such great football that everyone enjoyed.
“I was going to ask you to give this applause afterwards but this team deserves to be celebrated, and deserves to be listened to, and I again am going to give them a big applause, and I hope you will join me.”
It caused one fan to react: “Sarina Wiegman spoke more sense there on the Rubiales issue than any Uefa suit.
“Perhaps mostly because they’ve said next to nothing. Ceferin looked embarrassed as well he might.”
One declared: “Ceferin squirming behind her.”
Another noted: “Look at face on Ceferin. He didn’t like that at all, he’s part of the problem as well.”
One added: “Major respect, to do it next to Ceferin who is protecting Rubiales from his Uefa position. More Sarina Wiegman in this world!”
Meanwhile, Spanish World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati thanked Wiegman as she was named Women’s Player of the Year.
Bonmati said: “I appreciate the words of Sarina Wiegman.
“These are not good times for Spanish football. The World Cup has not been held as it should be and I would not like to let the page turn.
“As a society, we must not allow abuses of power in work relations and a lack of respect. I am with my colleagues and with Jenni Hermoso.”
Earlier in the day, Ceferin was asked about the Rubiales situation.
He replied: “Of course, what he did was inappropriate.
“We all know that. I hope he knows it was out of order. That’s enough for the time being because the disciplinary committee will decide.”
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