Jenni Hermoso and the Spain Women’s Team Demand Luis Rubiales Resignation
Jenni Hermoso and the Spain Women’s team have demanded the resignation of Luis Rubiales, head of the Spanish football federation, following his refusal to step down after kissing Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the World Cup victory over England. Rubiales has claimed the kiss was ‘spontaneous’ and ‘consensual’, but Hermoso has firmly denied this, and 56 players including Hermoso and her World Cup-winning teammates have signed a joint statement released by players’ union Futpro demanding Rubiales be removed from his position.
Jenni Hermoso Refutes Rubiales’ Claims
In a statement released on Friday, Hermoso reiterated: ‘I want to clarify, that at no time did I consent to the kiss. I don’t tolerate that my word is questioned, much less that words are invented that I haven’t said.’ Rubiales had previously claimed the kiss was consensual and that he was the victim of ‘social murder’ and ‘false feminism’.
Players’ Union Demands Rubiales Resignation
The joint statement released by players’ union Futpro reads: ‘After everything that happened during the delivery of medals of the Women’s World Cup, we want to state that all the players who sign this letter will not return to a call for the national team if the current leaders continue.’ The statement has been signed by 56 players including Hermoso and her World Cup-winning teammates.
Rubiales Refuses to Resign
Rubiales was expected to step down at an extraordinary general assembly called by the RFEF but instead he refused to resign from his role as head of the Spanish football federation. He has been widely condemned for his actions and for his refusal to resign, and it remains to be seen whether he will be forced out of his position or if the players will stand firm in their demand for his resignation.
Conclusion
The incident has sparked a huge debate about consent and respect in sport, and it is clear that the players are not willing to accept Rubiales’ behaviour or his refusal to resign. It is a testament to their strength and solidarity that so many have come together to demand justice, and it will be interesting to see how this situation develops in the coming days and weeks.
More to follow.