Luis Rubiales Claims Jenni Hermoso Deceived Public with Shocking Revelation About World Cup Final Kiss

Amid increasing calls for his resignation from within the Spanish football community and the government, Luis Rubiales, the embattled chief of Spanish football, has made another bold statement in the early hours of Saturday morning. In this statement, Rubiales accused Jenni Hermoso, a World Cup winner, of lying when she claimed that she did not give her consent to being kissed by him.

Rubiales was anticipated to resign on Friday, just prior to delivering a vehement speech against those who accused him, during a federation assembly.

This led to a strong reaction from Hermoso and her fellow teammates, as they made a firm commitment to never compete for Spain again, following their recent historic victory in the World Cup.

The 33-year-old forward stated on Friday night that she did not give her consent to the kiss at any moment.

The Spanish football federation's comprehensive statement presented a sequence of images depicting Hermoso allegedly encouraging Rubiales to lift her.

"Mr President's feet are ostensibly lifted from the ground as a result of the player's action," the statement said.

"The tests are conclusive. Mr President has not lied.

The RFEF and the President will expose every falsehood propagated either by someone representing the player or, if relevant, by the player herself. Legal consequences loom, jeopardizing the federation's desired celebration of success.

"The RFEF expresses its regret that, despite the remarkable sporting achievement witnessed in the World Cup, the celebration is hindered due to reasons unrelated to sports. FIFA has initiated proceedings against Rubiales, while UEFA, where Rubiales serves as a vice-president earning €250,000 annually, has not yet issued a statement."

Lionesses back Hermoso

Rubiales embraced Hermoso and planted a passionate kiss on her lips while the awards ceremony unfolded following Spain's triumphant 1-0 triumph over England in Sydney on Sunday.

Lionesses back Hermoso

Expressing her vulnerability, the player stated that she had fallen victim to an act of aggression, leading her and the rest of the Spain team to make the firm decision of abstaining from any future matches until there is a complete overhaul of the leadership within the federation.

A total of 56 players, including all of the 23-strong World Cup-winning squad, signed the joint statement after Rubiales refused to resign following his controversial kiss at the final.

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England's Lionesses, who suffered defeat against Spain in the World Cup final, have declared their support for the players' boycott. They assert that the actions permitted by a sexist and patriarchal organization are entirely unacceptable. Abuse, regardless of its nature, is unequivocally wrong and the truth of the matter has been witnessed by all.

The conduct of those individuals who believe they are untouchable must not be endured. It is imperative that people do not require persuasion to take a stand against any type of harassment.

"We offer our full support to you, @jennihermoso and all members of the Spanish team."

In an attempt to remove Rubiales from his position, the Spanish government has initiated legal proceedings, leading to the resignation of the head of Spain's women's football committee.

Rubiales: I won't resign

Rubiales claimed the kiss was "mutual" and "with consent" at a meeting of the Spanish football federation's general assembly on Friday.

Rubiales further claimed that he had been unjustly targeted by "misguided feminists" in what he referred to as a witch hunt, repeatedly asserting his refusal to step down. Explaining his perspective to the assembly, Rubiales recounted that Hermoso had joyfully lifted him up in a celebratory gesture, prompting him to playfully request a "small kiss," to which she willingly agreed.

"The kiss was reminiscent of the affection I would show one of my daughters," Rubiales stated. Asserting his determination, he declared his intention to safeguard his reputation in court, facing off against politicians, notably two ministers, who unjustly labeled his kiss as an act of sexual violence.

Image:

Hermoso claims non-consensual kissing by Rubiales.

Spanish football's 'Me Too'?

The government lacks authority to dismiss Rubiales, however, Victor Francos, the director of the state-controlled Sports Council, states that a legal process will be pursued through a sports tribunal.

"We aim for this to replicate the success of Spanish soccer," stated Francos.

In recent years, gender issues have gained significant attention in Spain, as evidenced by the participation of tens of thousands of women in street demonstrations against sexual abuse and violence.

On Friday evening, people gathered outside the Spanish Soccer Federation in Madrid to protest against Rubiales, with some carrying banners or holding up red cards.

'Embarrassing', 'My ears are bleeding': Football reacts to Rubiales' speech

England defender Jess Carter expressed her disappointment with Rubiales' actions, stating that they have "tarnished" the otherwise special moment of Spain's victory. Carter emphasized that it is sad to see such an incredible achievement by Spain, including player Hermoso, being ruined by that particular incident.

I was not present to witness it firsthand, but upon my return and viewing the photographs, I was truly in disbelief. The situation is incredibly unacceptable, and I fail to comprehend how anyone could respond with anything other than genuine apologies. Such incidents should never occur, especially on an international platform.

She finds herself in an exceedingly difficult predicament, as how does one go against an individual of such authority? Nonetheless, it is crucial to take a stand and express that this behavior is utterly unacceptable.

Barcelona and Spain's acclaimed player, Alexia Putellas, expressed her discontent on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "This is not acceptable. It's done. Standing with you, my teammate @Jennihermoso." Several other teammates swiftly showed their support, joined by players from other countries.

Expressing her indignation, US international Alex Morgan voiced her dismay on X, stating, "I am appalled by the public actions of Luis Rubiales." She emphasized that winning a World Cup "should be one of the most memorable moments in these players' lives, but instead, it is marred by assault, misogyny, and the failures of the Spanish federation."

Rubiales' comments were not well-received by a number of former Spain internationals, with David De Gea taking to X to write: "My ears are bleeding."

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In an unprecedented move, Liga F, the premier women's football league in Spain, expressed their discontent towards Rubiales' position by stating on X, "It is crucial to bring about permanent change." Borja Iglesias, a striker for Real Betis who made his international debut last year and was recently part of Luis de la Fuente's squad, has declared that he will abstain from representing his country until there are substantial reforms and acts like these are met with appropriate consequences.

The 30-year-old stated on X day: "I don't feel represented by what occurred today, both as a footballer and as an individual. Wearing the jersey of the Spanish national team has been one of the highlights of my career.

"I am unsure if I will ever be considered again, but I have resolved not to rejoin the national team until there are changes and such actions are appropriately penalized."