The Spanish national soccer player Jennifer Hermoso has called for consequences against the controversial Spanish association president Luis Rubiales after the kiss scandal.
This emerges from a joint statement by the 33-year-old with the players’ union Futpro. In it, the Spanish federation (RFEF) is asked to “to create the necessary logs, protect the rights of our players and take exemplary measures.”
Kiss at the award ceremony – criticism and international stir
Rubiales suddenly kissed midfielder Hermoso on the mouth on Sunday (August 20th, 2023) at the award ceremony after the 1-0 win in the World Cup final against England. Criticism rained down and the action attracted international attention.
The association has called an extraordinary general assembly for Friday. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke of one “unacceptable gesture”‘Excuse Rubiales’ “insufficient”. Rubiales had one “spontaneous gesture without any bad intention” spoken.
The union representing Hermoso’s interests in the matter is opposed “Any attitude or behavior that violates the rights of women footballers”, it was said. Futpro is committed to ensuring that such actions “never go unpunished, that they be sanctioned and that the appropriate measures are taken to protect female footballers from actions that we consider unacceptable”.
“Not appropriate or acceptable in any context”
The international players’ union FIFPro also called for an investigation by FIFA in accordance with the world governing body’s code of ethics. Rubiales, who sits on the UEFA Executive Committee as vice-president, has it “special moment” for Hermoso “spotted”wrote FIFPro.
Physical advances without consent “not appropriate or acceptable in any context, especially when placed in a vulnerable position by someone in a position of power in their place of work”.