beleaguered Spanish FA (RFEF) has taken legal action under threat while accusing Jenni Hermoso of spreading ‘falsehoods’ in response to her claim that she did not consent to a kiss from President Luis Rubiales. In a remarkable statement released late on Friday night, the crisis-ridden organization reiterated its unwavering support for Rubiales after he kissed Hermoso on the mouth following Spain’s World Cup final victory against England on Sunday.
Hermoso, aged 33, conveyed through the FUTPRO union that she felt “vulnerable and victimized by an impulsive, sexist, and inappropriate act that occurred without any consent on my part.” This came after Rubiales asserted that he had sought permission to kiss Hermoso, who allegedly responded by saying he could give her “a little peck.” Hermoso stated, “I want to clarify that, as seen in the images, I did not consent to the kiss he gave me, and I certainly did not seek to raise the president. I will not tolerate my word being questioned, let alone the invention of words I have not spoken.”
In response, the RFEF contended that Rubiales, who emphatically refused to resign from his position on Friday, had acted with “the utmost respect.” They alleged that “falsehoods have been disseminated about him” from Hermoso’s camp. The RFEF provided a photographic breakdown of the moments leading up to the kiss in an attempt to exonerate Rubiales and emphasize Hermoso’s responsibility.
Hermoso had previously voiced her stance on X (formerly Twitter), and a statement on her behalf was released by FUTRPO, the Spanish players’ union. A total of 56 players signed the statement, all of whom have refused to play for the national team until Rubiales is removed from his position.
Despite FIFA launching a disciplinary investigation and the Spanish government initiating legal proceedings to suspend the 46-year-old president, the RFEF asserted that “the facts exposed by Mr. President are absolutely true,” and he is “not lying.” They claimed to have attempted to contact Hermoso multiple times without success.
Various football stars from both women’s and men’s football expressed their dismay on Twitter regarding the situation. Spain’s Alexis Putellas tweeted, “This is unacceptable. It’s over. With you partner @jennihermoso.” Borja Iglesias, a striker in the men’s team, has also refused to play for his country until Rubiales is removed from his position.
The RFEF concluded that “the evidence is conclusive. Mr. President has not lied.” They announced their intent to pursue legal actions against either those acting on behalf of the player or, if applicable, the player herself. The RFEF lamented that a momentous sporting achievement, such as Spain’s World Cup victory, could not be properly celebrated due to non-sporting reasons. They also emphasized that while players are entitled to decide whether to participate with the Spanish team in international matches, participation is an obligation for all federated individuals if called upon.
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