Spanish international Jenni Hermoso said on Friday evening that she felt “vulnerable and victim of aggression” when she was kissed by the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, in the final on Sunday. of the World, after having affirmed that this kiss “was not consented”.
“I felt vulnerable and victim of an aggression, an impulsive and sexist act, moved and without any consent on my part,” said the Spanish N.10 in a statement posted on her social networks about the kiss imposed by its president on Sunday evening during the presentation of the medals of world champions in Sydney.
A few hours earlier, Hermoso had assured, in a first press release from her Futpro union, that she had “at no time consented to this kiss”, dismantling the defense of Luis Rubiales.
Against all expectations and despite the pressure, the boss of Spanish football had refused to resign from his post on Friday before the extraordinary general assembly of his Federation gathered near Madrid.
In office since 2018, the former defender launched a counterattack, claiming the kiss was ‘reciprocal’ and ‘consensual’ and that he had obtained permission to do so, while castigating ‘false feminism “.
And Friday night, which is already dubbed the “
The 23 players of the team crowned world champion on Sunday in Australia have indeed announced that they refused to play again with La Roja “if the current leaders (were) maintained”. The text, already signed by 81 players, remains open to other signatures, according to the Futpro union.
Before this announcement, the day was punctuated by numerous reactions indignant at the lack of questioning by Luis Rubiales, who denounced “an attempt at social assassination” against him.
“What we saw today at the Assembly of the Federation is unacceptable (…). It is over with impunity for macho acts. Rubiales cannot remain in his post”, reacted the minister of Labor and number three in the government, Yolanda Díaz, demanding “urgent measures” from the government.
Many national team players, like FC Barcelona footballer Alexia Putellas, double Ballon d’Or, came out of silence in the afternoon to show their support for their teammate and denounce the behavior ” intolerable” of their president. “This is unacceptable. Let’s get this over with. I’m with you dear Jenni Hermoso,” she said on X.
The hashtag “
“Out of respect for football. That’s enough! It’s time for this to change for good,” the women’s professional football league wrote on X.
For his part, former Real Madrid and ‘Roja’ goalkeeper Iker Casillas spoke of ‘total shame’ about Rubiales while Betis striker Borja Iglesias announced he would no longer wear the jersey. the national team until the situation changed.
Even some clubs were publicly outraged, such as Espanyol Barcelona, ??which said it was waiting for “measures” from the federation, or Sevilla FC, which considered “not to feel represented” by the boss of Spanish football and asked for his resignation.
Barça, former club of Hermoso, launched a half-hearted condemnation, deploring “regrettable” and “unjustifiable” facts. The Catalan club note, however, that “Mr Rubiales himself acknowledged an error and apologized for it”.
The affair splashes the image of Spanish sport, while the country is a candidate for the organization of the Men’s World Cup in 2030 with Portugal and Morocco, the award of which is scheduled for the end of next year.
– Administrative Court-
Mr. Rubiales was filmed during the celebration of the victory of the female “Roja” over England in the final of the World Cup, kissing Jenni Hermoso on the mouth in surprise.
He had apologized on Monday, explaining that it was a gesture “without any bad intention”.
But the condemnations of the Spanish political class, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and football circles, including the famous American player Megan Rapinoe, have only amplified.
The case finally went up to Fifa, which on Thursday launched disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Rubiales.
In a shower of criticism, LaLiga president Javier Tebas harshly attacked his counterpart: “The list of women and men offended by Luis Rubiales in recent years is too long, it must stop”.
The High Council for Sports, a government body, has announced that it will take the case to the Administrative Court for Sports in the coming days.
If the court concludes that this kiss is a fault according to the code of professional sport, the Superior Council of Sports, a state body, could then suspend Mr. Rubiales from his duties.
25/08/2023 22:47:46 – Madrid (AFP) – © 2023 AFP
