What started as a World Cup win has now turned into a full-on war as the Spanish Football Federation president was suspended today after his controversial kiss with Jenni Hermoso.
FIFA, the Lionesses and RFEF are now embroiled in a ‘he said she said’ battle with Luis Rubiales’ job at stake amid a ‘disciplinary proceeding’.
The crisis began on Sunday after Spain beat England 1-0 in the much-anticipated game in Sydney, Australia.
But no one could have predicted what followed: Rubiales now accused Hermoso of “false feminism” and Hermoso branded his actions “sexist”.
If you’re confused, don’t worry as Web has revealed who said what in the row over the polarizing kiss.
In a statement released just yesterday, Hermoso revealed how “vulnerable” she felt after kissing Rubiales
Jenny Hermoso
In a statement released just yesterday, Hermoso revealed how “vulnerable” she felt after kissing Rubiales on Sunday.
The 33-year-old claimed she was “the victim of an impulsive, sexist, inappropriate act” and didn’t consent to it.
“The situation shocked me given the celebrations that were going on and over time and after digging a little deeper into those initial feelings,” Hermoso said.
“I feel the need to report this incident because I believe that no one should be the victim of this type of non-consensual behavior, whether in the workplace, in sports or in the social environment.” I felt vulnerable and the victim of an impulsive, sexist, out of place action without my consent.”
Hermoso also claimed she felt pressured by the RFEF and others to make a statement that would justify Rubiales’ actions, despite her own feelings.
But their version of the truth has since been endorsed by 56 players who have refused to play until Rubiales is sacked.
Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has repeatedly claimed Sunday’s kiss was “consensual”, adding that it was in fact Hermoso who “held it up”. [him] high’
Luis Rubiales
The president of the Spanish Football Federation has repeatedly claimed Sunday’s kiss was “consensual”, adding that it was in fact Hermoso who “held it up”. [him] high’.
In a speech on Friday, he said, “It was an impromptu kiss.” Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That’s the key. A consensual “kiss” enough to get me out of here?
“Jenni was the one who picked me up. I told her to forget the punishment [that Mary Earps saved]’ and I said to her, ‘A little kiss?’ and she said, ‘OK’.’
Hermoso again claims this is “categorically wrong and part of the manipulative culture he created”.
On Friday, Rubiales also launched a startling tirade when he accused Hermoso of “false feminism” and “social murder”.
While he initially refused to step down during the extraordinary session of the Spanish Football Federation, he was suspended for a period of 90 days today.
During this time, he is banned from all “football-related activities at national and international level” and is forbidden from contacting Hermoso.
Still, Rubiales remains defiant about the kiss, revealing in another statement of his own that he will “defend himself legally” so the truth can be known.
“Luis Rubiales has declared that he will defend himself legally before the competent bodies, he has total trust in FIFA and confirms that this will give him the opportunity to start his defense so that truth prevails and his complete innocence is proved.” The statement published by the association has been read.
Earlier this morning, FIFA ‘provisionally’ suspended Rubiales amid the World Cup kiss backlash.
FIFA
Earlier this morning, FIFA ‘provisionally’ suspended Rubiales amid the World Cup kiss backlash.
In an extraordinary statement released today, the troubled organization confirmed that Rubiales is now banned from all “football-related activities at national and international level” for 90 days.
Rubiales was also barred from any contact with Hermoso and “her immediate circle,” with “no further information” to be revealed until a final decision was made.
“FIFA reaffirms its unconditional commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and therefore strongly condemns any conduct to the contrary,” the association added.
“Likewise, the RFEF and its officials or collaborators are instructed, directly or through third parties, not to establish contact with the professional player of the Spanish national team, Ms. Jennifer Hermoso, and those close to her.”
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information regarding this disciplinary proceeding until a final decision has been made.”
England’s Lionesses also released a statement condemning Rubiales, saying: “Unacceptable acts allowed by a sexist and patriarchal organization.”
The Lionesses said after Rubiales’ actions that “abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth”.
lionesses
England’s Lionesses also released a statement criticizing Rubiales for believing his actions were “unacceptable” but permissible in a “sexist and patriarchal organization”.
They wrote: “Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.” The behavior of those who believe they are invincible cannot be tolerated and people should not be persuaded to take action against any form of harassment.
“We stand by your side, Jenni Hermoso.”
Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)
Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) stands by Rubiales despite the allegations leveled against him.
It states that both Rubiales and the organization “will expose any lie spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player himself”.
The RFEF claims the “evidence” was “conclusive” that 46-year-old Rubiales “did not lie”.
In the statement, they included a detailed overview of the kissing incident in a desperate attempt to substantiate Rubiales’ claims.
“The RFEF and the President will take appropriate legal action given the seriousness of the content of the Futpro union press release,” they added.
Despite this, Spanish sports program Carrusel Deportivo have now claimed that 11 members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching staff have resigned from their positions at the RFEF.
Jenni Hermoso’s full emotional statement
“Having achieved one of the most important goals of my sports career and after a few days of reflection, I want to sincerely thank my teammates, fans, followers, media and everyone who made this dream come true; Your work and your unconditional support were a major factor in winning the World Cup.
“Unfortunately, the opportunity to celebrate this is limited.” While it is true that I do not want to get involved in the numerous ongoing legal proceedings, I feel obliged to say that the words of Mr Luis Rubiales, with which he unfortunate incident are categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he himself fostered.
“I would like to clarify that the conversation to which Mr. Luis Rubiales refers in his speech never took place and, above all, that his kiss was ever consensual.” I would like to emphasize, as before, that I did not like this incident .
“I was shocked by the situation given the celebrations that were just taking place, and as time has passed and after delving a little deeper into those initial feelings, I feel the need to report this incident because I believe that no one, in Not at all.” Individuals involved in the workplace, sport, or community should be victims of this type of non-consensual behavior. I felt vulnerable and the victim of an impulsive, sexist, inappropriate act without my consent.
“Put simply, I wasn’t respected.
“I was asked to make a joint statement to ease the pressure on the President, but at that moment my only intention was to enjoy the historic milestone together with my teammates.” It is for this reason that I thank the RFEF and its various interlocutors as well as the media and people I trust, that I will not be making any individual or collective statements on this matter, as I knew this needed to be of even greater importance away from such a special moment for my teammates and myself.
“Despite my decision, I have to say that I was constantly under pressure to make a statement that could justify the actions of Mr. Luis Rubiales.” Furthermore, in different ways and through different people, the RFEF has affected my environment (family, friends, teammates etc.) pressured to make a statement that had little or nothing to do with my feelings.
“It’s not my job to judge communication and integrity practices, but I’m sure that as world champions as a team, we don’t deserve such a manipulative, hostile and controlling culture.” Incidents of this nature add to a long list of situations that players have denounced in recent years. This incident that I was involved in is the straw that broke the camel’s back and what everyone was able to witness during the celebration on live television also goes hand in hand with an attitude like we saw in the morning and for the we were part of the daily life of our team for years.
“For all these reasons, I want to reiterate the position I have taken from the beginning, because at a historic moment for me and for women, I do not have to support the person who has committed this act against my will and with no respect for me. “ Sports in this country. Under no circumstances can it be my responsibility to face the consequences of conveying something I do not believe in, which is why I have rejected the pressure received.
“I have ZERO TOLERANCE towards this behavior.”
“In conclusion, I want to clarify that while it is me who expresses these words, it is all the players from Spain and around the world who have given me the strength to utter this statement.” In the face of such a display of disrespect and the Unable to admit my mistakes and take responsibility, I here and now declare to everyone my decision not to play again for the national team as long as the current league leaders remain in office.
“Thank you everyone for the messages of support and words of encouragement received.” I know I am not alone and thanks to you all we will move forward more together than ever. I leave this matter to TMJ and FUTPRO and the people I trust. They will continue to work on the next necessary steps.
‘It’s over.’
The Spanish Football Federation’s attempt to blame HERMOSO for “KISS-GATE”.
photo 1
The RFEF argues that in this photo, Rubiales’ arms rested only loosely on Hermoso’s back, meaning he “couldn’t exert any force” and that his heels were lifted
The image above shows Rubiales smiling as he hugs Hermoso, with one hand on her head and the other on her back.
The reason given in the RFEF is: “Ms. Jennifer Hermoso grabs the RFEF President with her arms from behind while Mr. President has his arms loosely on the upper part of the player’s back. Therefore, no force could be exerted.
“You can see how Mr. President has lifted the heels of his feet slightly.”
photo 2
Here, the RFEF claims that Hermoso is hugging the President and his heels are up. Only one of Hermoso’s arms and one of Rubiales’ feet are visible
In the second image, Rubiales’ upper arm has slid lower on Hermoso’s head.
The RFEF explains: “Ms. Jennifer Hermoso wraps her arms around Mr. President’s back. Mr President keeps his arms on the player’s body.
“It’s been proven that Mr. President already has much higher heels.”
Only one of Rubiales’ feet can be seen in the photo.
photo 3
The RFEF writes: “Mr. The President’s feet are clearly and distinctly lifted off the ground by the force exerted by the player.
This third image, with Rubiales lifted off the ground, is where the RFEF’s statement mounts in vigor and blames Hermoso.
The RFEF states: “Mrs. Jennifer Hermoso continues to keep her arms in the same position as the President’s body while the President has to bring his arms closer to the player’s back for lifting him off the ground and for balance.
“The tilt of Ms. Jennifer Hermoso’s back that occurs when she performs a violent act is undeniable.”
‘Mister. “The President’s feet are clearly and distinctly lifted off the ground by the force exerted by the player.”
photo 4
The RFEF maintains its posture in the last photo where Rubiales is still off the ground
Regarding this last photo provided, the RFEF states: “Mrs. Jennifer Hermoso continues to keep her arms in the same position as the President’s body, while the President still has to hold the players to avoid falling, and it is obvious that the curvature of the player’s body corresponds to Mr.’s lifting power. Mr President, you come forward.
“Mr. President’s feet are said to be lifted off the ground by the player’s action.”