Hermoso stated on a live stream that she “didn’t like it”. She also conveyed on social media, “I experienced vulnerability and became a target of an assault- an impulsive, overly masculine deed that was inappropriate and occurred without any form of consent from me. In essence, I was deprived of respect”.
Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish Football Federation, has come under fire for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the World Cup Final on Sunday night in Sydney.
Outrage on social media has been generated by the kiss, which was given on stage during a formal post-match ceremony and was caught on camera.
You can also read: Bangladesh Gears Up for 16th Asia Cup
What Happened?
Government ministers have called for Rubiale’s resignation in response to criticism of his actions at the Women’s World Cup Final from around the world.
At the final siren, Rubiales clutched his crotch in celebration as Queen Letzia of Spain and her daughter, age, 16, watched on. Following that, he shared a kiss with Hermoso, who is engaged in club Football in Mexico with Pachuca, as part of the presentation ceremony.
On Monday, Rubiales apologized for the kiss; however, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez deemed this apology insufficient. Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz added her voice to the calls for his resignation. By Wednesday, Hermoso stated that Futpro would act to safeguard her interests. The union also emphasized that the kiss should not be overlooked without consequences.
Later, the Spanish Government filed a lawsuit to have Rubiales suspended, followed by social media statements from Hermoso and Futpro, which prompted the latest reaction from the RFEF.
Truth Under Scrutiny: Spanish Football Federation Takes Legal Route
Hermoso said: “The kiss was not consensual”
On Friday, Hermoso stated that she had not given her consent, although the federation has raised doubts about her account of the incident.
In subsequent comments given to the media, she seemed to elaborate on her stance, describing it as a “genuine display of fondness.” Hermoso conveyed, through remarks shared with AFP by the Spanish federation, “The exchange was completely unplanned, arising from the overwhelming elation that accompanies a World Cup victory.” Hermoso added, “Our president and I share an exceptional rapport; his conduct towards the entire team has been exemplary. The affectionate and appreciative gesture transpired organically.”
Later, Hermoso stated on a livestream that she “didn’t like it”. She also conveyed on social media, “I experienced vulnerability and became a target of an assault- an impulsive, overly masculine deed that was inappropriate and occurred without any form of consent from me. In essence, I was deprived of respect”.
“The evidence leaves no room for doubt,” the Spanish Football Federation stated. “The honesty of Mr. President remains unquestionable.”
“Both the RFEF and the President will address every falsehood being propagated, whether it’s from someone claiming to represent the player or directly from the player,” the RFEF conveyed. In light of the gravity of the assertions made in the press release by the Futpro union, the RFEF, and the President will commence the requisite legal proceedings.
Within its statement, the RFEF showcased four pictures depicting Hermoso and Rubiales in an embrace. Alongside these images, they offered an analysis of each instance. The RFEF’s argument is that this analysis provides evidence of Hermoso employing force to lift Rubiales’ feet off the ground.
“I will not resign”, declares Rubiales
Fifa, the global authority overseeing football, announced on Thursday that they had initiated disciplinary actions in response to the controversial kiss. In reaction, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) convened an exceptional general assembly on Friday, during which it was anticipated that Rubiales would step down. However, he refused to step down from his position.
“I won’t resign”, he declared four times in rapid succession, which garnered applause from a predominantly male crowd. He also recounted to the gathering how Hermoso engaged in a joyful gesture of lifting him up, after which he playfully inquired if he could have “a small kiss” to which she willingly responded with a “yes”.
Last Friday, the Spanish athletes issued a collective statement, signed by 56 team members, encompassing all 23 individuals from the World Cup-winning roster. In the statement, they declared their refusal to rejoin the national team as long as the current leadership retains control.
Real Betis striker Borja Igleasis has additionally expressed his decision that he won’t be representing the men’s national team in the future as long as Rubiales holds the position of authority.
Apart from the backlash targeting Rubiales and Hermoso due to gender-related concerns, there’s a sense of frustration in Spain that this situation could detract from the Spanish Women’s team’s historic achievement in capturing their inaugural World Cup title.
