Protestors at Spain's Football Federation HQ

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【Summary】Spanish women's football players, including midfielder Jenni Hermoso, went on strike and protested in front of Spain's Football Federation HQ after Hermoso accused the federation chief of kissing her without consent. The players stated they would not represent the country if the current leadership remains. The federation chief, Luis Rubiales, denied the allegations and refused to resign.

FutureCar Staff Aug 26, 2023 10:37 AM PT

Protestors at Spain's Football Federation HQ

Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso has joined a mass strike of women players, expressing her dissatisfaction with the country's football federation chief Luis Rubiales. This comes after Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup final. In a statement released by the women's players' union, Futpro, Hermoso and 80 other players have declared that they will not represent the country on the pitch if the current leadership at the Spanish Football Federation remains.

Contrary to expectations, Rubiales, 46, did not resign at an emergency Federation meeting on Friday. In a passionate speech, he defended his actions, claiming that the kiss was "mutual, euphoric, and consensual." Rubiales stated that Hermoso had given her consent when he asked if he could give her "a peck." He further asserted that Hermoso was the one who lifted him and brought him close to her body.

However, Hermoso has denied Rubiales' claims, stating that she felt "vulnerable and the victim of an assault." In the statement released by Futpro, Hermoso clarified that she did not consent to the kiss and did not attempt to lift the president. Her actions are supported by every player who signed the declaration, including the 23 World Cup winners. Together, they are taking a stand to bring about change within the Spanish Football Federation.