The Spanish soccer federation has turned its back on Jennifer Hermoso amid the ongoing controversy about Luis Rubiales. Rubiales, the head of the Spanish FA, kissed Hermoso inappropriately after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final. While several players have supported Hermoso, the Spanish FA has decided to offer support to Rubiales.
Following the incident, Jennifer Hermoso revealed that she didn’t consent to being kissed by Luis Rubiales. However, Rubiales has vehemently denied the accusations and claimed that the kiss was consensual. However, Hermoso went ballistic after hearing Rubiales’ claims and decided to take legal action against him.
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“As a footballer and as a person I don’t feel represented by what happened today (referring to Rubiales’ words). I have decided not to return to the national team until things change and these type of acts do not go unpunished.” pic.twitter.com/djhCOMYhGD
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) August 25, 2023
Several players from Spain’s men’s team as well as women’s team have been protesting against Luis Rubiales. The players have stated that they won’t return to national duty unless Rubiales submits his resignation. However, amid the ongoing protests, the Spanish FA has raised questions about Hermoso’s account of the controversial incident.
The Spanish football federation announces that, instead of removing president Luis Rubiales, they will take legal action against player Jenni Hermoso as they claim she ‘lied’ about non-consensual kiss.
The federation also says players have an “obligation” to play for the… pic.twitter.com/TmXErUmP3N
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 26, 2023
As per the BBC, the RFEF has stated that Hermoso has “lied” about her kiss with Rubalies being non-consensual. It has also stated, “The RFEF and Mr. President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself.“
The RFEF has further stated that they will also “initiate legal actions.” Moreover, the RFEF has also sent a warning to the players who have decided to abstain from national duty. The Spanish FA has reiterated that any player who is called up to the national team is obligated to play for Spain.
FIFA suspends under-fire RFEF president Luis Rubiales
Luis Rubiales’ inappropriate gesture with Jennifer Hermoso has led to widespread protests against him. Various soccer stars have been forcing the RFEF president to step down from his role. However, Rubiales has remained firm in his stance that he has done no wrong. The 46-year-old former Spanish player has also refused to step down, and has branded the protests as “false feminism.“
After Rubiales refused to resign, the Spanish government and FIFA pursued legal and disciplinary proceedings against him. Most recently, FIFA’s chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Palacio, has suspended Rubiales for an initial period of 90 days.
While Rubiales has defended himself against his suspension, the Vice President adjoining the Presidency, Pedro Rocha Junco, will take over the role of interim president of the RFEF.