Spain’s World Cup-winning women footballers refuse to play until federation boss who kissed player quits

Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso says “in no moment” did she consent to a kiss from the country’s football federation president Luis Rubiales – as the players announced a boycott over the controversy.

Hermoso said she was “vulnerable” and “the victim of an aggression”, as she and the rest of the Spain team revealed they will not play any further matches until the “federation leadership is removed”.

A total of 56 players, including all of the 23-strong World Cup-winning squad, signed the joint statement after Mr Rubiales refused to resign following his controversial kiss at the final.

England’s Lionesses – who were defeated by Spain in the World Cup final – backed the players’ boycott, saying: “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.

“The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.

“We all stand with you, @jennihermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”

The Spanish government has started legal action in a bid to suspend Mr Rubiales from his post – and the head of Spain’s women’s football committee has quit his role.

Mr Rubiales, 46, grabbed player Ms Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.

In a statement on Friday night, Ms Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward and key contributor to Spain’s victory, said “in no moment” did she consent to the kiss.

It comes after she previously said: “I did not like it, but what could I do?”

The footballer added that such acts “should never go unpunished”.

Mr Rubiales claimed the kiss was “mutual” and “with consent” at a meeting of the Spanish football federation’s general assembly on Friday.

He added that he was the victim of a witch hunt by “false feminists” after rapidly repeating “I won’t resign” four times.

In the version of events Mr Rubiales gave to the assembly, he said Hermoso had lifted him up in celebration and he asked her for “a little kiss?” and she said yes.

“The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters,” Mr Rubiales said.

He said that he would defend his honour in court against politicians, including two ministers, who called his kiss an act of sexual violence.

Mr Rubiales cannot be sacked by the government, but the head of the state-run Sports Council, Victor Francos, says it will use a legal procedure in a sports tribunal.

“We want this to be a ‘Me Too’ of Spanish soccer, ” said Mr Francos.

Rafael de Amo, president of the National Committee of Women’s Football, said he had decided to step down because he wanted to be able to “look in people’s eyes”.

The defiant defence of the kiss by Mr Rubiales followed a widespread backlash against his behaviour.

Read more:
Fans pretend tourist is Spanish club’s new player
Earps replica shirt to be sold by Nike after backlash

Real Betis forward Borja Iglesias, who has two caps for Spain’s men’s side, has said he will not play for the national team in protest “until things change and these kinds of acts don’t remain unpunished”.

The striker, 30, called “for a fairer, more humane and decent football”, adding: “I am sad and disappointed.”

FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Rubiales on Thursday.

Spain’s acting prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said Mr Rubiales’ attempt to apologise, which came after he initially insulted his critics, was unconvincing, and that “he must continue taking further steps” to be held accountable.

In his apology released on Monday, Mr Rubiales said: “We saw it as something normal, natural and not in any way in bad faith. But outside it seems that a commotion has been created.

“When you are president of an institution as important as the federation, you have to be more careful.”

Before the forced kiss, Mr Rubiales had grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture from the section of dignitaries at the stadium, with Spain’s Queen Letizia and the 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia standing nearby.

The controversy has overshadowed the final and Spain’s first triumph in the global tournament.

The team arrived back in Madrid a few days ago after delivering heartbreak to England- with Olga Carmona’s first-half goal proving too much for the Lionesses.

Hermoso started the match in the World Cup final in Sydney, but was denied the chance to get on the scoresheet after her penalty was stopped by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.