Scandal of the Spanish Football Federation, especially its president By Luis Rubiales as well as the star player of the women’s national soccer team that won the World Cup last Sunday Jennifer Hermoson around accelerates even more.
Jennifer Hermoso has now published his own position on X (formerly Twitter).
At the start of his post, Hermoso, 33, thanks his teammates, fans, followers, media and everyone who has made it possible for his dream – World Cup gold – to come true.
– Unfortunately, those celebrations ended short. It’s true that I don’t want to disturb the ongoing legal cases, but I have to tell you that the words Luis Rubiales used to explain what happened are categorically wrong and part of the manipulative culture he has been creating himself.
– I want to make it clear that at no point did the kind of conversation that Rubiales refers to take place, and above all, his kiss happened completely without my consent.
What is it about?
Rubiales was on the podium handing out awards when the Spanish national team defeated England 1–0 in the World Cup final.
Rubiales gave each player a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, but after Hermoso received his medal, Rubiales grabbed the player and kissed them on the mouth.
A spokesman for the Spanish Football Federation told the AFP news agency that it was a spontaneous party between two good friends. Hermoso also initially defended Rubiales. According to him, it was “a natural gesture of affection”.
Rubiales’ actions received a complete shock from many quarters. For example, the Spanish Minister for Equality Irene MonteroMinister of Sports Miquel Iceta and goalkeeper size Iker Casillas considered Rubiales’ actions unacceptable and demanded that Rubiales apologize.
– We should not assume that kissing without consent is something that just happens, Montero said.
Rubiales reacted to the criticism by calling the critics idiots and fools. Rubiales later admitted that he had acted improperly.
– We saw it as natural, but the commotion seems to have been created. If this offended some people, I must apologize.
Read more: The behavior of the football boss who kissed the player is shocking in Spain – the minister accuses of sexual violence
Wednesday Hermoso issued a statement together with the Spanish Women’s Football Association. In it, Rubiales’ actions were condemned. The Spanish Women’s Football League stated on Wednesday evening that Rubiales should be fired from her position.
The international football association Fifa announced on Thursday that it would initiate a disciplinary procedure regarding Rubiales’ activities. Even the Prime Minister of Spain has publicly criticized Rubiales’ actions.
The Spanish Football Federation had previously announced that it would organize a hearing on the subject on Friday. Spanish media Marca reported on Thursday that Rubiales will resign at Friday’s meeting.
On Friday, Rubiales then entered the union’s hearing defiantly. Rubiales gave a speech in which he declared that he would continue to be a happy and well-rounded man.
He accused the media and his critics of a manhunt and threatened to file criminal charges against politicians who have accused him of misconduct.
– The kiss was consensual. I know I was wrong, but who are you to persecute me. I don’t quit, I don’t quit, I don’t quit, I don’t quit! Rubiales announced and received resounding applause at the union meeting.
On Friday, the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office filed a sexual harassment case against Rubiales.
Hermoso: The Spanish Football Federation put pressure on me and my loved ones
Hermoso says that what happened recently shocked him, and he didn’t know how to react to the events, considering that the historic World Cup gold was being celebrated.
– No one should be a victim of such non-consensual behavior in any work, sport or social context.
– I felt vulnerable, the victim of an impulsive and sexist, completely unrelated act without my consent.
Hermoso writes that he was asked to make a joint statement in order to ease the pressure on the chairman. Hermoso continues that he didn’t want to make statements on the matter earlier, because he didn’t want to draw attention away from the World Cup gold party.
– Despite my decision, I have come under constant pressure to give a statement that would justify the actions of Luis Rubiales. Not only that, but using various people and means, the Spanish Football Association has pressured my close circle (family, friends, teammates) to make a statement that in no way reflects my feelings.
– It is not my job to evaluate communication practices, but I am sure that as world champions, as a team, we do not deserve such a manipulative, hostile and controlling culture.
The Spanish national team has been in the middle of commotion for a long time. Last year, 15 players announced they would quit the team if the head coach Jorge Vilda continue to wash. However, the Spanish federation supported Vilda. Rubiales returned to this topic on Friday.
– Jorge, we’ve been through a lot together. They wanted to do to you the same as they are doing to me now. We have suffered a lot, endured a lot but stayed together, Rubiales said.
Hermoso writes that the case being processed now can be added to the long list of things that players have condemned in recent years.
– This case, in which I am now involved, is the last straw. Everyone was able to witness it on television at the World Cup gold party. It has to do with the attitudes we saw this morning (Rubiales’ Friday speech) that have been part of our team’s life for years.
At the end of his statement, Hermoso thanks everyone who has supported him. Hermoso says that Futpro, the association of the Spanish women’s football leagues, and his agency will continue to handle the matter in the necessary ways.
– Finally, I want to make it clear that even as I say these words, all the players in Spain and around the world have given me strength for this release.
– Considering its disrespect and inability to recognize its mistakes and take responsibility, I announce here and now that I will not play for the national team as long as the current leadership remains in power.
Jennifer Hermoso is one of the best midfielders of all time. He currently represents Pachuca in the Mexican League. In FC Barcelona, he won the Spanish league several times and the Champions League once.
With 51 goals in 105 matches, Hermoso is the all-time top scorer for the Spanish women’s national team.