- The statement added that the President had been forced into publicly clarifying what had occurred after an ‘unassumable red line has been crossed’
The Spanish FA have sensationally threatened Jennifer Hermoso with legal action as the authority continues to back under-fire President Luis Rubiales.
The 46-year-old controversially planted a kiss on the lips of the midfield star in the aftermath of the side’s 1-0 World Cup final win over England last Sunday, an incident that has since dominated the headlines.
After initially admitting she ‘didn’t enjoy’ the moment, Hermoso appeared then appeared to backtrack – stating ‘she did consent’ to the kiss.
I felt pressure
But the 33-year-old has since clarified she felt pressured into the u-turn, and has now been joined by all her victorious teammates in refusing to report for national duty again until Rubiales leaves his position.
FIFA have begun disciplinary proceedings and the Spanish Government are also taking measures to suspend him, although the former Levante player has remained defiant, insisting he will not step down.
And in a bizarre twist, the Spanish FA, who previously backed manager Jorge Vilda despite a player revolt, has announced the ‘presentation of as many legal actions as may correspond in defence of the honorability of the President.’
In a lengthy statement, they described the incident as a ’cause of conflict and ridicule on the part of broad sectors of the society.’
The authority also warned that lies are ‘rebutted’ in a court of law, and accused Hermoso of refusing to respond to their requests for co-operation.
The statement added that the President had been forced into publicly clarifying what had occurred after an ‘unassumable red line has been crossed.’
And the extraordinary defence didn’t end there, with the Spanish FA also using four photos as ‘conclusive evidence’ that their President had been telling the truth during the saga.
The first points to how Hermoso’s arms were seemingly used to grab Rubiales, whilst his were said to be ‘loose,’ supposedly proving he wasn’t exerting force.
A second picture was accompanied by claims that Hermoso kept her arms around his back during the exchange, as opposed to Rubiales, who kept them ‘on top of her body.’
They claimed it was ‘verified’ that the President was wearing higher-platform shoes.
A third image provides apparent evidence that Rubiales then had to bring his arms closer to the player’s back because he’d been lifted ‘off the ground’ and needed to stay balanced.
And a fourth final picture is pinpointed as proof that Hermoso arched her body to keep the official off the ground, raising his feet ‘as a result of the player’s action.’
Concluding that ‘Mr. President has not lied,’ the statement further attacks Hermoso by saying: ‘The RFEF and Mr. President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself.’
The explosive statement comes amid mounting pressure on Rubiales from outside the women’s national side as well.
Spain’s men team striker is quitting
Men’s national team striker Borja Iglesias has quit playing for his country while he remains in post, and the Lionesses have released a statement backing their rivals which reads: ‘Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation.
‘Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth. The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.
‘We all stand with you, Jenni Hermoso and all players of the Spanish team.’
