Unwavering Women's Players Defiantly Rally to Uphold Justice Amid Luis Rubiales Resignation

Georgia Stanway of England expresses her desire for players, staff, and journalists to persist in championing justice following Luis Rubiales' resignation. Rubiales declared his decision to step down as the president of the Spanish FA on Sunday, after three weeks since he controversially kissed Jennifer Hermoso of Spain during the Women's World Cup champions' trophy celebrations, despite her stating that it was not consensual.

The entire victorious Spain squad, along with several other Spanish players, declared their refusal to play for their country as long as he remained in charge. Furthermore, many others, including England's beaten finalists who issued a joint statement, joined together to criticize his actions. Finally, his departure over the weekend demonstrated the strength of these collective efforts in driving change, as stated by Stanway during a press conference for Bayern Munich Women.

She expressed, "An outcome has been reached. As players, staff, and journalists, we strive for a workplace where women feel at ease.

United, we possess immense strength and we are determined to advocate for what is just. Both as Lionesses and members of Bayern, we are committed to persist in our fight.

We have devised a plan and will persevere."

Stanway started in all seven of England's matches, culminating in the ultimately unsuccessful final defeat. She admitted that she still hasn't fully processed the emotions of missing out on becoming world champions.

"It's truly disheartening to come so close," she expressed. "We worked hard and reached great heights, but couldn't clinch the victory. In the days following, I felt disappointed, and my parents were relieved to see me move on as I wasn't particularly cheery during that time."

"I'll process it when the time's right and now's the time to focus on Bayern."

Rubiales resigns as Spanish FA president over Hermoso kissing row

Rubiales, in an interview with Piers Morgan, announced his resignation as the president of Spain FA, expressing that he could no longer carry out his duties. In a statement released, he clarified that he has formally submitted his resignation to the acting president of the Spanish federation, Pedro Rocha.

I have submitted my resignation as the president of the RFEF. Following the FIFA suspension and the ongoing investigations against me, it is clear that I will not be able to resume my role.

In a conversation with Morgan, Rubiales shared, "I have discussed this with my father, my daughters, as well as some trusted friends, and they have advised me to prioritize my dignity and move forward with my life."

"Because if you know probably you are going to damage people you love, and the sport you love…in this situation now, (it is) the thing I have to do."