Jenni Hermoso’s Comments Lead to Legal Action from Spanish Football Federation
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced it will take legal action against Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso after she made comments about its president Luis Rubiales. Hermoso said on Friday that she did not consent to the embrace with Rubiales on the podium, but the federation has questioned her version of events.
Hermoso’s Comments
In a statement by players’ union Futpro, which is representing Hermoso, she is quoted as saying “in no case did I seek to raise (lift) the president” while they embraced on the podium. The RFEF responded to this statement by saying: “The evidence is conclusive. Mr President has not lied.”
RFEF’s Response
The RFEF and Mr President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself. The RFEF and the President, given the seriousness of the content of the press release from the Futpro union, will initiate the corresponding legal actions.
The federation also said that, if selected, players have “an obligation” to play for the national team, after 81 female players said they will not represent Spain until Rubiales is removed from his post. Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has also said he will not play for the men’s national team again while Rubiales is in charge.
Analysis of Embrace
In its statement, the RFEF provided four images of Hermoso’s embrace with Rubiales, with an analysis of each, which it claims demonstrates that she applied the force to lift Rubiales’ feet off the ground. The federation believes that this shows that Hermoso was in fact consenting to the embrace, and that Rubiales did not lie about the incident.
Conclusion
The Spanish Football Federation has taken a strong stance against Jenni Hermoso’s comments about its president Luis Rubiales. The federation has provided evidence that it believes proves that Hermoso was in fact consenting to the embrace, and that Rubiales did not lie about the incident. It remains to be seen what legal action will be taken against Hermoso, and whether or not her comments will have any effect on the future of Rubiales as president of the RFEF.