RFEF
Spain Men’s National Team release statement regarding “unacceptable behaviour” of Luis Rubiales
Ahead of their Euro qualifier games, the captains of the men’s team have finally released a statement regarding the controversy surrounding the RFEF.
Spain’s Men’s team have finally released a statement regarding what the RFEF call the “recent events that have harmed the image of Spanish football”.
Reading from a 185-word statement with no mention of the victim, Jenni Hermoso, the captains sat before the media to convey their feelings on the recent events surrounding the RFEF, which began when then-President, Luis Rubiales, forcefully kissed the Pachuca player on the lips following Spain’s World Cup win over England.
Rubiales has been suspended from footballing activities for 90 days and manager Jorge Vilda also looks set to leave. Vilda was seen applauding Rubiales during the general assembly meeting held around a week ago and since then his job has been hanging by a thread. Luis de la Fuente, the men’s manager, was sat beside Vilda and applauded as well. He later claimed it was a “human error” that was caused by “a high-pressure situation”. He is to remain in his current role.
The full statement is as follows:
- First and foremost, we want to convey, once again, our pride and heartfelt congratulations to the women’s national team for winning the World Cup in Sydney. It’s a historic milestone filled with significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football, inspiring countless women with an invaluable triumph. Therefore, we want to express our regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished.
- We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behaviour on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents.
- We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents. Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behaviour both on and off the field.
- Starting today, we face a crucial training camp for the future of Spanish football on our path to qualify for Euro 2024 with two matches against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like to focus on sporting matters from now on, considering the importance of the challenges ahead.
Spain play against Georgia on 8 September and Cypus on 12 September.