Luis Rubiales, the head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has been under fire for his recent actions. After winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Rubiales appeared to kiss Spanish star Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. Despite winning the Women’s World Cup for the first time, Spain’s celebrations have been blemished by Rubiales’ actions.
Since the controversial incident occurred, there have been huge protests against Luis Rubiales. While it was widely expected that he would resign, Rubiales has refused to step down, labeling the protests as “false feminism.” The protests have further intensified when Jenni Hermoso claimed that she didn’t consent to the kiss. However, Rubiales has reportedly stated that the kiss with Hermoso was consensual.
Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales changes his mind, says he won’t resign after kissing Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
“Fake feminism is a great scourge in this country. This is a social assassination,” he says, claiming the kiss was consensual. pic.twitter.com/25NgUt4LzK
— BNO News (@BNONews) August 25, 2023
According to Cadena SER, Luis Rubiales said, “The kiss was consented. She (Jenni) was the one who lifted me up and brought me closer to her body. And I said to her: ‘a little bit?’ and she said, ‘Okay’.” He further stated that he believes that he doesn’t deserve any of the criticisms. Although he did issue an apology, the Spanish government and FIFA have started legal and disciplinary actions against Rubiales.
🚨🎙️| Luis Rubiales: “The kiss was consented. She (Jenni) was the one who lifted me up and brought me closer to her body. And I said to her: ‘a little bit?’ and she said, ‘okay’.” [@La_SER ] pic.twitter.com/gqtoSBhwp1
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) August 25, 2023
Moreover, the Spanish women’s team recently issued a statement where they said that they wouldn’t play any more matches with the national team as long as Luis Rubiales remains the head of the RFEF. In addition to this, Hermoso will reportedly take legal action against Rubiales. She also stated that the case will be handled by FUTRO, the Spanish players’ union, along with TMJ, her management agency.
Soccer stars unite to support Jennifer Hermoso and condemn Luis Rubiales’ actions
The soccer world has united in condemning Luis Rubiales’ actions after he forcibly tried to kiss Jennifer Hermoso. Several soccer stars have denounced Rubiales while also stating support for the 33-year-old soccer star. FC Barcelona star Alexia Putellas called Rubiales’ actions as “unacceptable” while announcing her unflinching support for her Spanish teammate.
Norwegian soccer star Carolina Graham Hansen, who plays as a winger for FC Barcelona, also tweeted in support of Hermoso. Putellas and Hansen were joined by Aitana Bonmati, another Spanish star who condemned Rubiales for crossing limits. USWNT icon Alex Morgan also lent her support to the Pachuca star while accusing the Spanish federation of assault and misogyny.
I’m disgusted by the public actions of Luis Rubiales. I stand by @Jennihermoso and the Spanish players. Winning a World Cup should be one of the best moments in these players’ lives but instead it’s overshadowed by assault, misogyny, and failures by the Spanish federation.
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) August 25, 2023
Meanwhile, Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning captain Iker Casillas and Sergi Roberto have also offered their support to Hermoso. In addition to this, Real Betis star and Spanish striker Borja Iglesias has also followed the Spanish women’s team and has refused to return to the national team unless Luis Rubiales receives appropriate punishment for his actions.
