Less than a week after emerging victorious in the Women’s World Cup, the players of Spain’s national team have declared that they will not participate in any future games until the president of the country’s soccer federation steps down. This demand comes after the president, Luis Rubiales, kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their victory. Rubiales, who faced criticism for grabbing his crotch after another win, has refused to resign.
Hermoso released a statement on Friday vehemently denying Rubiales’ characterization of the kiss as consensual. Rubiales, on the other hand, portrayed himself as the victim during an emergency general assembly of the federation in Madrid.
Despite speculation that Rubiales would resign, he announced that he is the target of a witch hunt by “false feminists.” However, federation vice president Rafael del Amo, who oversaw women’s soccer, resigned along with at least two other federation members.
Amidst criticism from political parties across the ideological spectrum, Rubiales was applauded by women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda and men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente. Rubiales described the kiss as a simple celebratory gesture and claimed that Hermoso consented to it.
The footage of the medals ceremony did not capture the first moments of Rubiales congratulating Hermoso, but it showed him kissing her after his feet were on the ground. Hermoso contradicted Rubiales’ version in two statements, asserting that she did not give consent and denying the conversation Rubiales recounted.
The allegations and counteraccusations continued throughout the day, with Hermoso additionally accusing the federation of pressuring her and her family to defend Rubiales. The federation denied forcing her to make a statement downplaying the incident.
In response to the escalating situation, the federation issued a statement stating that Rubiales did not lie and that legal action would be taken against Hermoso and her union. The statement included photos purportedly showing Hermoso lifting Rubiales during the medals ceremony.
Hermoso, along with her 22 teammates and over 50 other Spanish players, signed a statement from FUTPRO declaring that they would no longer play under the current leadership. Rubiales declared that he would defend his reputation in court against politicians who labeled his actions as sexual violence.
Support poured in for Hermoso, with her teammate Alexia Putellas and international players expressing solidarity. U.S. soccer star Alex Morgan condemned Rubiales’ actions and criticized the Spanish federation for overshadowing the players’ World Cup victory with assault, misogyny, and failures.
Beatriz, the president of Spain’s women’s league,
Credit: The Star : News Feed
