Jenni Hermoso firmly contradicted Rubiales' account of the incident on Friday. She stated, "I want to make it clear that I never agreed to the kiss he gave me, and I certainly didn't try to lift the president.
Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso, has stated that she didn’t want to be kissed by the head of Spain’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales. This caused an uproar worldwide when he didn’t step down from his position.
Player Protest: Demands for Change
In a joint statement from the women players’ union Futpro, Hermoso and 80 other players have declared that they won’t represent the national team “if the current leadership remains” at the Spanish football federation.
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Conflicting Account: Rubiales vs. Hermoso
Rubiales, aged 46, defended himself during an emergency RFEF meeting, claiming that the kiss was “spontaneous, mutual, and consensual.” He said she had said “OK” when he asked to give her a kiss. He also claimed that she had lifted him up and brought him closer to her.
However, Hermoso strongly denied his version of events later on Friday. She said, “I want to make it clear that I never agreed to the kiss he gave me, and I certainly didn’t try to lift the president. I won’t stand for my words being questioned or false words being attributed to me.”
Impact on Spanish Women’s Football: Threat to Success
Futpro’s statement made it clear that all the players signing it, including the 23 World Cup winners, were taking a united stance for change. They asked for structural changes that would help the national team continue to grow and inspire future generations.
The statement expressed sadness that such an unfortunate event was tarnishing the success of Spanish women’s football, especially after the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. They declared that if the current leadership persists, none of the players signing the document would return to the national team.
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Support for Hermoso: Player Solidarity
Before the World Cup, 15 players had expressed similar concerns about the federation, but many eventually relented and three were part of the winning team in Australia and New Zealand.
Many players, including double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, showed support for Hermoso on social media, some using the phrase “it’s over,” possibly referring to Rubiales’ leadership in Spanish football.
Upcoming Game and Olympic Implications: Spain’s Future in Jeopardy
Spain’s next official game is on September 21 against Sweden in the Nations League, which will determine two European teams for the Paris Olympics. The group winners advance to the Nations League semifinals, with the finalists earning Olympic spots. If France makes the Nations League final, the winner of the third-place game would get Europe’s last Olympic spot. The ongoing Rubiales situation could have a significant impact on Spain’s chances of qualifying for its first Olympics if not resolved soon.
