Spain’s football federation is facing escalating controversy and potential legal action over a post-victory embrace between star player Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales, the president of the federation. Accusations have been made that the kiss happened without Hermoso’s consent, leading to calls for Rubiales to resign. In response, Hermoso and 80 other Spanish football players have announced that they will not play for the national team as long as the current leaders remain in power.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has issued a statement vowing to take legal action in defense of Rubiales. The statement includes photos that the RFEF claims support Rubiales’ version of events. The federation argues that Rubiales “clearly and simply explained how the events” occurred. However, the controversy appears to be centered around Hermoso’s physical handling of Rubiales, rather than just the kiss itself.
Hermoso has denied giving consent for the kiss and lifting Rubiales off the ground, stating that she felt vulnerable and like a victim of a sexist act. The RFEF has responded by highlighting the photos that allegedly show Hermoso lifting Rubiales, claiming that the evidence is conclusive and that Rubiales has not lied. The federation has promised to provide proof to refute any lies spread by Hermoso or anyone else involved.
The RFEF statement did not directly address the broader claims of sexism that the incident has prompted, nor did it address Rubiales’ behavior during the match, including an instance where he appeared to aggressively grab his crotch. FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales for his behavior.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his government have expressed support for Hermoso and the players, calling for Rubiales to step down. While the government does not have direct authority over the football chief, the sports ministry has initiated an administrative process that could result in Rubiales being sacked if he is found to have breached the law. The controversy continues to unfold, with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence.
How are the Spanish government and sports ministry responding to the allegations against Rubiales and what actions are they taking
Title: Controversy Continues to Roil Spanish Football Federation Amidst Allegations of Unwanted Embrace
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) finds itself amidst mounting controversy and potential legal consequences following a post-victory incident involving star player Jenni Hermoso and federation president Luis Rubiales. The alleged lack of consent during a celebratory embrace has sparked calls for Rubiales’ resignation and prompted Hermoso, along with 80 other Spanish footballers, to announce their refusal to play for the national team under the current leadership.
In a strong show of support, the RFEF has issued a statement vowing to defend Rubiales through legal channels. They have also released a series of photos, which they claim substantiate Rubiales’ version of events. Defending the federation’s president, the statement emphasizes that Rubiales “clearly and simply explained how the events” unfolded. However, the crux of the controversy appears to revolve around Hermoso’s physical handling of Rubiales rather than solely focusing on the kiss itself.
Hermoso staunchly denies granting consent for the embrace and vehemently refutes the accusation of lifting Rubiales off the ground. She has expressed feeling vulnerable and victimized by what she describes as a sexist act. In response, the RFEF highlights the aforementioned photos as evidence, asserting that they provide a conclusive account disproving any falsehoods put forth by Hermoso or others involved.
Notably, the RFEF’s statement fails to directly address the broader claims of sexism stemming from the incident. Likewise, it neglects to address Rubiales’ conduct during the match, including an instance where he appeared to engage in an aggressive gesture towards his crotch. FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales for his behavior.
Support for Hermoso and the Spanish players has come from the highest levels of the country’s government. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his administration have called for Rubiales to step down, demonstrating solidarity with the players. Although the government lacks direct authority over the football chief, the sports ministry has initiated an administrative process that could potentially result in Rubiales’ dismissal should he be found to have violated any laws. As the controversy unfolds, both sides continue to present their arguments and supporting evidence, intensifying the ongoing dispute.
The Football Federation needs to focus on more important matters instead of wasting time on trivial controversies.
It’s disappointing to see the Federation resorting to legal threats over a mere post-victory embrace. Let’s prioritize the game and unity instead of escalating unnecessary conflicts.