This Friday, the President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, expressed his refusal to resign despite the massive controversy surrounding his forced kiss on Jenni Hermoso. On social media, several Spanish athletes have broken their silence to criticize this decision by the leader. Forward Borja Iglesias even announced his decision to no longer wear the jersey of La Roja (the Spanish national team) until the leader steps down from his position.
Alexia Putellas wanted to support her teammate Hermoso: “This is unacceptable. Let’s end it. I stand with you dear Jenni Hermoso.” On his part, David De Gea, who has spent a long time guarding the Spanish goal, said his “ears are bleeding.” Legend Iker Casillas, one of the first to speak up along with the former Manchester United goalkeeper, called it a “shame.”
On Instagram, Hector Bellerin vents: “What’s happening is a true shame. Representing our country with such vulgarity, distorting the victim’s statements, having the audacity to blame and victimize her for being abused—these are actions that cannot go unpunished. Football is a social tool for progress and advancement; sexism should have no place in this system.”
But it’s certainly the choice of Spanish international Borja Iglesias that has been noticed. He announced his withdrawal from the national team as long as Rubiales remains in his position. “I have decided not to return to the national team until things change and such acts are not left unpunished,” he wrote on social media, adding, “Wearing the Spanish national team jersey is one of the most beautiful things that has happened in my career. I don’t know if, at some point, I will be an option again (…) For a fairer, more humane, and more decent football.”
From the clubs’ side, Espanyol and then Barcelona released statements. The Blaugrana (Barcelona) condemned “the completely inappropriate and regrettable behavior during the World Cup celebration” by Rubiales.
Changes in Spanish leadership Following Rubiales’ statements, a series of events have been set in motion, indicating a shakeup within the governing structure. Rafael del Amo, President of the National Women’s Football Commission, quickly announced his resignation, marking a major turning point.
However, the upheavals aren’t limited to resignations. The political sector has also taken concrete actions to address the situation. The Superior Sports Council (CSP), under the Ministry of Culture and Sports, distinguished itself by adopting a firm stance. The organization made it clear that it intends to take determined action. It explicitly stated that it would transfer all complaints it receives to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Javier Tebas criticizes Luis Rubiales On his part, the President of La Liga, Javier Tebas, didn’t miss the opportunity to criticize Luis Rubiales, as their relationship is quite tense.
“I must admit that explaining what has happened with Luis Rubiales over these years has been very difficult. I feel that many people, until now, have not understood what members of different football circles have to go through facing him as the president of the RFEF.
Misogynistic actions, profane expressions, protocol disasters, and his insults during that embarrassing moment on live TV are not a surprise. They have had obvious precedents that should have prevented him from making a new victim (who should not be the focus of attention),” he begins, detailing Rubiales’ poor behavior in recent years.
