The Spanish men's football team has become the latest in the long line of football personalities in Spain and the football world to denounce the suspended Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso, among other inappropriate behavior. The team called his behavior during the nation's 1-0 victory against England in the FIFA Women's World Cup "unacceptable" after Hermoso claimed the kiss was not consensual.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the entire team, co-captains Alvaro Morata, Rodrigo Hernández, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Marco Asensio congratulated their female counterparts in what was considered a historic win for the nation, but at the same time, called Rubiales out for the kissing scandal.
"We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents," the statement read. "Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behavior both on and off the field."
The team added they are currently in intense training ahead of their two matches against Georgia and Cyprus in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Rubiales Faces Spanish Sports Court
Aside from a 90-day suspension handed down by FIFA, Rubiales was subjected to a misconduct case at the Spanish Sport Administrative Tribunal (TAD), which ruled that he committed a "serious offense" by kissing Hermoso but stopped short of the "very serious offense" charge the Spanish government had requested in order for him to be suspended on top of FIFA's 90-day suspension.
In any case, Rubiales has refused to resign, describing the calls for him to do so as a "social assassination." He also described himself as a "victim of an unprecedented political and media lynching."
Despite this, Rubiales's uncle has put on record that his nephew was "obsessed" with women and power.
Meanwhile, the men's team coach, Luis de la Fuente, apologized for applauding Rubiales during his speech where he intended to stay on his job, arguing that he and many other attendees were "overwhelmed" and "not prepared" for Rubiales' unexpected refusal to resign. Women's coach Jorge Vilda, himself at risk of getting fired, said he had a similar reaction when Rubiales announced his intention not to resign due to the kissing incident, which he has since criticized Rubiales for.
While the whole Spanish women's team refused to play further until Rubiales was sacked, only Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias made the same decision in the men's team.
Meanwhile, runner-up England's coach told sports media she was "really hurt" by the crisis the opposing team of her girls was experiencing.
