The embattled president of Spain’s soccer federation defiantly refused to step down Friday after insisting that a kiss on the lips with Women's Soccer player Jenni Hermoso was consensual, an assertion that Hermoso strongly denied.
Meanwhile, all 22 of Hermoso’s fellow world champions, and 58 other Spanish players, announced they will no longer play for Spain if Luis Rubiales doesn’t resign.
The kiss marred the title celebrations in front of a global audience, and criticism has steadily mounted. Spain’s acting prime minister, players unions, players for Spain’s women’s team, and even some players on men’s teams have said he must go. In his speech to the assembly, Rubiales said Hermoso “lifted me up” in a celebratory gesture and he asked her for “a little kiss?” and she “said yes.”The televised broadcast of the medals ceremony didn’t show the first moments when Rubiales congratulated Hermoso. But it does show that his feet were on the ground before he held her face and kissed her.
Rubiales said he would defend his honor in court against politicians, including two ministers, who called his kiss an act of sexual violence. One of them was acting Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, who urged the government to take “urgent measures.”Alexia Putellas, Hermoso’s teammate and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner as the best player in the world, posted a message of support on X, formerly known as Twitter.Other teammates quickly followed.
Spain’s government planned to file a lawsuit Friday alleging that Rubiales violated the country's sports laws, according to Víctor Francos, secretary of state for sports and head of Spain’s Higher Council for Sports. If Spain's Administrative Court for Sports agrees to hear the suit, the council will suspend Rubiales temporarily pending the court's ruling, Francos said.
Disciplinary judges can impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport. FIFA gave no timetable for the ruling. Rubiales, who led the Spanish players union for eight years before taking over as federation president in 2018, is currently heading the UEFA-backed bid to host the men’s World Cup in 2030. Spain is bidding with neighboring Portugal and Morocco, and also possibly Ukraine.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Soccer player Jenni Hermoso says 'in no moment' was kiss with Luis Rubiales consensualBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso said Friday that ‘in no moment’ did she consent to a kiss on the lips by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Lire la suite »
Soccer player Jenni Hermoso says 'in no moment' was kiss with Luis Rubiales consensualBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso said Friday that ‘in no moment’ did she consent to a kiss on the lips by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Lire la suite »
Soccer player Jenni Hermoso says 'in no moment' was kiss with Luis Rubiales consensualBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso said Friday that ‘in no moment’ did she consent to a kiss on the lips by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Lire la suite »
Soccer player Jenni Hermoso says 'in no moment' was kiss with Luis Rubiales consensualBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso said Friday that ‘in no moment’ did she consent to a kiss on the lips by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Lire la suite »
Soccer player Jenni Hermoso says 'in no moment' was kiss with Luis Rubiales consensualBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso said Friday that ‘in no moment’ did she consent to a kiss on the lips by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Lire la suite »
Soccer player Jenni Hermoso says 'in no moment' was kiss with Luis Rubiales consensualBARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso said Friday that ‘in no moment’ did she consent to a kiss on the lips by soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Lire la suite »