WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
What did Jenni Hermoso say about Luis Rubiales? Spain player issues statement
Hermoso appeared to be the subject of some unwanted attention from the head of the RFEF. The FUTPRO players’ union have spoken out on her behalf.
The FUTPRO players’ union has issued a statement on behalf of Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish footballer kissed by RFEF chief Luis Rubiales in the aftermath of their World Cup final triumph.
Rubiales greeted Hermoso with a kiss on the lips during the presentation ceremony for the trophy and later joked that he planned to marry the Spain player in Ibiza. Hermoso was later heard saying “I didn’t like it” when asked about the incident by teammates.
The statement, issued on Wednesday on Hermoso’s behalf, insists that Rubiales’ actions should “not go unpunished.”
The statement reads: “My union FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency TMJ are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter. From FUTPRO we express our firm and resounding condemnation of conduct that violates the dignity of women”.
It continues: “It is essential that our national team, current world champion, is always represented by figures that project values of equality and respect in all areas.”
Rubiales had initially downplayed the incident, dismissing critics as “idiots”. However on Monday, with public pressure growing, he issued an apology in which he admitted that he was “completely wrong.”
Will Luis Rubiales resign?
Earlier on Wednesday the RFEF announced that it would be holding a general assembly meeting to discuss the incident in the aftermath of Spain’s World Cup triumph. Officials within Spanish football have called for Rubiales to leave the role in charge of the national federation.
“The Royal Spanish Football Federation convenes, as a matter of urgency, an Extraordinary General Assembly for next Friday, August 25, starting at 12 noon, at the headquarters of the Ciudad del Fútbol de las Rozas,’’ the RFEF statement confirmed.
The statement added that the “internal proceedings of the Federation regarding integrity issues are open,” suggesting that Rubiales is being actively investigated for the incident.
For now Rubiales’ future is still up in the air. If he initial response to the incident is anything to go by, it appears unlikely that he will leave the role voluntarily.