Developments continue to unfold following RFEF president Luis Rubiales’ internationally televised and nonconsensual kiss on star striker Jenni Hermoso during the FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. Bookmark thi s page to keep up with all the major developments in real time. Below you’ll find links and news updates to the story in reverse chronological order.
*Editor’s note: Statements have been translated to English and may contain errors.
Aug. 25, 2023
Rubiales appeared in front of RFEF and refused to resign. Victor Francos, president of CSD and secretary of sport, announced that the government would suspend Rubiales and summon him to appear before the Spanish Court of Arbitration in Sport.
Jenni Hermoso statement
Official Announcement. August 25th,2023. pic.twitter.com/lQb18IGsk2
— Jenn1 Hermos0 (@Jennihermoso) August 25, 2023
— Jenn1 Hermos0 (@Jennihermoso) August 25, 2023
Organizational statements
Asociación de Futbolistas Profesionales (FUTPRO) – All 23 players from Spain’s 2023 FIFA World Cup winning squad, plus an additional past and future 33 Spanish internationals, condemn Rubiales actions, support Hermoso, and announce they “will not return for a call-up for the National Team if the current leaders continue.”
The players of the Spanish National team, recent World Champions, other players, in support of Jennifer Hermoso, wish to express their strong and firm condemnation of behaviours that have undermined the dignity of women.#seacabo pic.twitter.com/s8Nt6VbOlW— FUTPRO (@futpro_es) August 25, 2023
In response, RFEF released their own statement attempting to discredit Hermoso’s statements by taking split-second stills from the same world feed we all watched to try and prove that Rubiales’ actions were consensual. They claim this proves Rubiales is telling the truth and Hermoso is not. They end their message with a veiled threat, noting that “participation in the selection is an obligation of all federated people if they are called for it.”
Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels
#FIFPRO statement on Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales: pic.twitter.com/HprUCh9VLN
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) August 25, 2023
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) August 25, 2023
Gotham FC
England Lionesses
Player Statements
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas: “Esto es inaceptable. Se acabó. Contigo compańera @Jennihermoso“
Swedish footballer and FC Barcelona forward Fridolina Rolfö: “No-one should ever have to fight in their place of work for respect, to feel safe or for their basic human rights. Things have to change. I stand with @Jennihermoso and the Spanish team.”
American forward Alex Morgan: “I’m disgusted by the public actions of Luis Rubiales. I stand by @Jennihermoso and the Spanish players. Winning a World Cup should be one of the best moments in these players’ lives but instead it’s overshadowed by assault, misogyny, and failures by the Spanish federation.”
San Diego Wave players visually share a message of support during their NWSL regular season match against the Orlando Pride.
ABBY DAHLKEMPER WHAT A GOAL!
Her first @NWSL goal since 2016.
pic.twitter.com/KnPUYKlptT
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) August 25, 2023
Her first @NWSL goal since 2016.
pic.twitter.com/KnPUYKlptT— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) August 25, 2023
Aug. 24, 2023
Multiple reports state that Rubiales is expected to resign during a special session with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Friday. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee opened an investigation against Rubiales.
NEWS: FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has opened up an investigation against Spanish Federation president Luis Rubiales. pic.twitter.com/kbSQH3a0oX
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 24, 2023
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) August 24, 2023
Aug. 21, 2023
Rubiales apologizes for his action saying that it “has somewhat tarnished the celebration” of Spain’s first title.
Aug. 20, 2023
Spain defeated England to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title. During the post-match medal ceremony, Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso was given her medal, shook hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and hugged Spanish Queen Letizia. However, when she made her way to Spanish Federation president Luis Rubiales, Hermoso was greeted with an unwanted and non-consensual kiss on the lips.
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