Luis Rubiales has reportedly sent a video to FIFA in a bid to defend himself over the kissing incident involving Spain player Jenni Hermoso.
On the back of Spain’s historic 1-0 win over England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, Rubiales made headlines after he kissed Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation.
After the incident, Rubiales faced calls to resign as the president of the Spanish Football Association.
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In response, Rubiales declared that he will not resign during what was an explosive speech.
Last week, he was suspended by FIFA but according to El Espanol, Rubiales has now sent a video to the sport’s governing body in a bid to defend himself.
The 46-year-old has previously claimed that the kiss was ‘consensual’.
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Now, new footage has emerged which appeared to show Hermoso laughing at memes that have resulted from the kiss.
She was seen holding a phone screen showing her incident with Rubiales alongside a picture of Iker Casillas kissing reporter Sara Carbonero after the 2010 World Cup final.
It has been reported that 81 players have since claimed that they will not play for Spain again until Rubiales is removed from his role.
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Player union FUTPRO released a statement demanding action against Rubiales.
It read: “From FUTPRO we express our firm and resounding condemnation of behaviors that violate the dignity of women.
“From our association we ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures.”
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The statement continued: “We also call on the Higher Sports Council so that, within its powers, it actively supports and promotes prevention and intervention in the face of sexual harassment or abuse, machismo and sexism.
“FUTPRO rejects any attitude or conduct that violates the rights of soccer players and from the union we are working so that acts like the ones we have seen never go unpunished, are sanctioned and the pertinent measures are adopted to protect soccer players from actions that we believe are unacceptable.”
Topics: Spain, Womens World Cup
Marcus Chan