Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso has denied giving her consent for a kiss on the lips from the country’s football chief, Luis Rubiales. Hermoso released a statement through her union on Friday, responding to Rubiales’ claim during an emergency meeting of the Spanish football federation that the kiss had been consensual.
Despite the controversy stemming from the kiss, which occurred after the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, Australia, Rubiales resisted stepping down from his position, even as there were calls for his removal.
En este vídeo se puede leer los labios a Luis Rubiales y efectivamente le pregunta a Jenni Hermoso "¿te puedo dar un pico?"
Ahora ya puede emprender acciones legales contra Yolanda Díaz, Irene Montero, Pablo Echenique e Ione Belarra.
Que tiemble toda la Inquisición progre. pic.twitter.com/H4unt8rTYe— Capitán General de los Tercios (@capTercio) August 25, 2023
Rubiales, who had also faced criticism for his actions after Spain’s victory over England, is currently under significant pressure to resign. Various parties, including Spain’s acting prime minister, player unions, and members of both the women’s and men’s teams, have expressed the view that he should leave his post.
On Friday, Rubiales continued to assert that the kiss was a “mutual and consensual” act with Hermoso and portrayed himself as a target of unwarranted criticism by what he referred to as “false feminists.”
This perspective garnered support from the predominantly male assembly. While Rubiales remained steadfast, the Vice President of the federation, Rafael del Amo, who had overseen women’s football, announced his resignation, along with at least two other federation members. Del Amo had urged Rubiales to step down as well.
“I felt vulnerable and a victim of an assault, an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part. Simply, I was not respected.” – said Jennifer Hermoso.
“My ears bleed” – said David De Gea. “We should have spent these five days talking about our girls! To be proud of a title we didn’t have in women’s football. – said Iker Casillas.
Despite all the outrage, the Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has stated that he won’t resing under any circumstances. What will happen next?
