Spain Women’s Team refuses to play any more international matches until Spanish FA Chief Luis Rubiales is removed

Hermoso has come out saying Rubiales kissed her without her consent.

Spain Women’s Team refuses to play any more international matches until Spanish FA Chief Luis Rubiales is removed

(L) Jennifer Hermoso (R) Luis Rubiales (Source: Reuters)

The Spanish football scene is in turmoil as the women’s national team takes a stand against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation. This controversy stems from Rubiales’ non-consensual kiss on Spain forward Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup final trophy presentation. Hermoso expressed feeling vulnerable and as the victim of aggression, denying consent to the kiss.

Despite widespread backlash, Rubiales refused to resign and claimed the kiss was consensual. The situation escalated further as the Spanish women’s team announced their refusal to play under Rubiales’ leadership. All 23 World Cup-winning squad members and other players signed a statement vowing not to participate in matches until the federation’s current management is replaced.

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The boycott reflects their discontent with Rubiales’ actions and refusal to step down. This incident has garnered international attention. England’s Lionesses supported the Spanish players’ boycott and condemned such actions as ‘sexist’ and ‘patriarchal nature‘. The Spanish government has initiated legal measures to suspend Rubiales from his role. The head of Spain’s women’s football committee resigned due to the controversy.

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The situation underscores the importance of respect and professionalism within sports administration. It urges leaders to be more cautious and accountable for their actions. The standoff between the players and Rubiales demonstrates the power of athletes to demand change and hold their leadership accountable for their behavior. As the team has refused to further represent or play for the Nation, the situation is tense, and an avid investigation can lead the way to justice.

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Jenni Hermoso recreated Leo Messi’s iconic World Cup picture

(L)Jenni Hermoso (R) Leo Messi with their respective WC trophies
(L)Jenni Hermoso (R) Leo Messi with their respective WC trophies (Source: TSN)

After leading Argentina to their third global victory in Qatar in 2022, Lionel Messi posted a picture of himself sleeping with the World Cup trophy. Following suit, Spain’s Hermoso secured the Women’s World Cup by defeating England.

After more than a day of celebrations, she finally got some much-needed rest with the trophy by her side. Sharing a photo with the silverware, she captioned it as “The perfect dream that came true.”

Hermoso’s penalty miss wasn’t costly as Spain held on against England, with Olga Carmona‘s first-half strike securing their victory. Like Messi, who garnered nearly 55 million Instagram likes for his trophy picture. Hermoso has also joined the ranks of an elite group by sharing such an iconic photo. The player has gathered the support of her teammates against the Spanish FA president, who gave her a ‘non-consensual’ kiss after their WC win on the podium.

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