Embattled Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales has used his federation to accuse World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso of mendacity by saying she didn’t consent to being kissed by him.
The newest defiant assertion from the 46-year-old got here within the early hours of Saturday morning amid mounting strain from inside Spanish soccer and the federal government for him to resign.
It was anticipated Mr Rubiales was going to step down on Friday – earlier than occurring the assault in opposition to his accusers in a speech at a federation meeting.
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That sparked an outcry from Hermoso and her teammates who vowed to not play for his or her nation once more – days after profitable the World Cup for the primary time.
In a press release on Friday evening the 33-year-old ahead and key contributor to Spain’s victory, mentioned “in no moment” did she consent to the kiss.
The Spanish soccer federation’s prolonged assertion confirmed a sequence of photos claiming to be Hermoso encouraging being lifted by Mr Rubiales.
“Mr President’s feet are ostensibly lifted from the ground as a result of the player’s action,” the assertion mentioned.
“The tests are conclusive. Mr President has not lied.
“The RFEF and Mr President will exhibit every of the lies which might be unfold both by somebody on behalf of the participant or, if relevant, by the participant herself.”
There is a risk of authorized motion – taking away from the success the federation says it desires to have fun.
Jennifer Hermoso celebrates with the World Cup trophy
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The assertion mentioned: “The RFEF regrets that after a sporting success as extraordinary as the one that occurred in the World Cup, it cannot be celebrated as the situation and success deserves for completely extra-sporting reasons.”
FIFA has began a case in opposition to Mr Rubiales however UEFA – of which he’s a 250,000 euro a yr vice chairman – has but to remark.
Mr Rubiales grabbed Hermosa and kissed her on the lips throughout the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
The participant mentioned she was “vulnerable” and “the victim of an aggression”, as she and the remainder of the Spain crew revealed they won’t play any additional matches till the “federation leadership is removed”.
A complete of 56 gamers, together with all the 23-strong World Cup-winning squad, signed the joint assertion after Mr Rubiales refused to resign following his controversial kiss on the remaining.
England’s Lionesses – who had been defeated by Spain within the World Cup remaining – backed the gamers’ 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 that suppose they’re invincible should not be tolerated and folks should not want convincing to take motion in opposition to any type of harassment.
“We all stand with you, @jennihermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”
The Spanish authorities has began authorized motion in a bid to droop Mr Rubiales from his put up – and the pinnacle of Spain’s ladies’s soccer committee has stop his function.
Mr Rubiales claimed the kiss was “mutual” and “with consent” at a gathering of the Spanish soccer federation’s basic meeting on Friday.
He added that he was the sufferer of a witch hunt by “false feminists” after quickly repeating “I won’t resign” 4 instances.
In the model of occasions Mr Rubiales gave to the meeting, he mentioned Hermoso had lifted him up in celebration and he requested her for “a little kiss?” and he or she mentioned sure.
“The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters,” Mr Rubiales mentioned.
He mentioned that he would defend his honour in courtroom in opposition to politicians, together with two ministers, who referred to as his kiss an act of sexual violence.
Mr Rubiales can’t be sacked by the federal government, however the head of the state-run Sports Council, Victor Francos, says it should use a authorized process in a sports tribunal.
“We want this to be a ‘Me Too’ of Spanish soccer, ” mentioned Mr Francos.
Before the kiss, Mr Rubiales had grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture from the part of dignitaries on the stadium, with Spain’s Queen Letizia and the 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia standing close by.
The controversy has overshadowed the ultimate and Spain’s first triumph within the world event.
The crew arrived again in Madrid after delivering heartbreak to England – with Olga Carmona’s first-half objective proving an excessive amount of for the Lionesses.
Hermoso began the match within the World Cup remaining in Sydney, however was denied the prospect to get on the scoresheet after her penalty was stopped by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Content Source: information.sky.com