Luis Rubiales insists he won’t step down after he grabbed player Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony. The head of Spain’s Sports Council is seeking Rubiales’ removal and says “we want this to be a ‘Me Too’ of Spanish soccer”.
Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso says “in no moment” did she consent to a kiss from the country’s football federation president Luis Rubiales – as the players announced a boycott over the controversy.
Hermoso said she was “vulnerable” and “the victim of an aggression”, as she and the rest of the Spain team revealed they will not play any further matches until the “federation leadership is removed”.
A total of 56 players, including all of the 23-strong World Cup-winning squad, signed the joint statement after Mr Rubiales refused to resign following his controversial kiss at the final.
England’s Lionesses – who were defeated by Spain in the World Cup final – backed the players’ boycott, saying: “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.
“The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.
“We all stand with you, @jennihermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”
The Spanish government has started legal action in a bid to suspend Mr Rubiales from his post – and the head of Spain’s women’s football committee has quit his role.
Mr Rubiales, 46, grabbed player Ms Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
In a statement on Friday night, Ms Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward and key contributor to Spain’s victory, said “in no moment” did she consent to the kiss.