The Algorithm Age

Boycotts, protests and even a hunger strike. These are not events normally associated with the aftermath of winning a World Cup. But for Spain, triumph was overshadowed by controversy. What should have been a moment of celebration - the team's historic triumph at the 2023 Women's World Cup - turned into something else entirely. Instead of celebrating their first major trophy, the squad found themselves at the centre of a sexism scandal. Nearly two years later, the dark cloud over Spanish football seems to have shifted. But have things changed for the better in Spain? And are the world champions entering a new era as they begin their pursuit of a European crown? How did we get here? Just as Spain were getting ready to lift the World Cup trophy, Luis Rubiales - the country's football federation president - kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips. It was a kiss that Rubiales said was consensual, but Hermoso said was not. What followed was a storm o...