Resignation demanded after Spain soccer head's inappropriate behavior at World Cup. Team boycotts until action is taken.

author: FutureCar Staff    

Less than a week after their victory in the Women's World Cup, the national team players of Spain announced on Friday that they will not participate in any more games unless the president of the country's soccer federation resigns. The controversy stems from the president, Luis Rubiales, kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after their win. Rubiales, who was also criticized for grabbing his crotch in a victory gesture, has faced immense pressure to step down but has remained defiant.

Hermoso issued a statement strongly rebuking Rubiales' characterization of the kiss as consensual, while Rubiales himself cast himself as the victim at an emergency general assembly of the federation. Despite reports that Rubiales would step down, he declared that he would not resign and referred to the criticism as a witch hunt by "false feminists." Federation vice president Rafael del Amo, who had been in charge of women's soccer, announced his resignation, along with at least two other federation members.

Rubiales received applause from an overwhelmingly male audience during the assembly, with women's national team coach Jorge Vilda and men's national team coach Luis de la Fuente expressing their support. However, Rubiales had previously received no public support in Spain, with political parties from both the left and the right speaking out against him.

Rubiales defended himself by stating that the kiss was consensual and compared it to the same affection he would show his daughters. However, Hermoso contradicted his version of events in two statements, asserting that she did not consent to the kiss and that Rubiales' description of their interaction was false.

The controversy escalated further when the federation issued a statement threatening legal action against Hermoso and her union, including photos that they claimed showed Hermoso lifting Rubiales off the ground during the medals ceremony. The Spanish government also planned to file a lawsuit against Rubiales, alleging that he violated the country's sports laws. Iberia airlines, a major sponsor of the federation, expressed support for the government's initiative to protect the rights and dignity of athletes.

The incident has sparked outrage within the soccer community, with players and clubs condemning Rubiales' behavior. The FIFPRO player's union demanded action against Rubiales, and FIFA opened a disciplinary case against him. The only relevant institution that has remained silent so far is UEFA, for which Rubiales is a vice president.

Rubiales, who is currently leading a bid to host the men's World Cup in 2030, has faced widespread criticism for his actions. Former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas called it an embarrassment and expressed disappointment that the focus was not on celebrating the women players' victory. Real Betis forward Borja Iglesias also stated that he would not play for Spain until things change.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the future of the Spanish soccer federation remains uncertain. The players have made it clear that they will not play unless Rubiales steps down, and pressure is mounting from various sources for him to resign.

FutureCar Staff