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What did Jenni Hermoso say about Luis Rubiales controversy? Women's soccer team demands RFEF president's removal

Spain's women's soccer team have said they will not play until Luis Rubiales was sacked

MADRID, SPAIN: Spanish World Cup star Jenni Hermoso has broken her silence on the controversy involving Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

The women's World Cup star revealed that she did not consent to being kissed by Rubiales after the women's World Cup final.

Her statement comes as all 23 players of the women's team signed a joint statement demanding the removal of Rubiales from his position.

As a result, they have declined to take part in matches until their request is fulfilled.

What did Luis Rubiales say about the controversy?

The situation unfolded after Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips following Spain's World Cup victory.

Hermoso saus, "I want to clarify, that at no time did I consent to the kiss. I don't tolerate that my word is questioned, much less that words are invented that I haven't said."

Rubiales, however, has defended his actions in a charged speech on Friday, August 25, blaming "false feminism" for what he perceived as a "witch-hunt" against him.

He defiantly stated, "I am not going to resign," and expressed his determination to continue in his role.

The soccer boss claimed the kiss was "consensual." "It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That's the key. A consensual 'peck' is enough to get me out of here?'" he said.

However, Hermoso's fellow teammates and other notable Spanish football figures held a different perspective. Additionally, Hermoso, when questioned about the incident, reportedly said, "I did not like it."

What actions have been taken in relation to Luis Rubiales?

The Spanish government has initiated legal proceedings to potentially suspend Rubiales from his functions.

Victor Francos, head of the government's National Sports Council, likened the situation to the "MeToo of Spanish football." He said that the government would not remain passive in the face of the issue.

He said, "The government begins today the procedures so that Mr Rubiales has to give explanations before the Administrative Court of Sport [TAD] and, if the TAD is willing, we will suspend Mr Rubiales in his functions," as per the Daily Mail.

The Spanish Women's Football Committee also saw a change in leadership as president Rafael del Amo resigned, citing his inability to align with Rubiales' continued presidency.

"I have submitted my resignation after seeing that Luis Rubiales continues to lead the Federation," said Del Amo.

"I have been the only president who has told him looking at his face. I believed in a female project that did not exist and he opted for it, with 27 million euros, I am super grateful, he further stated,  

"But I think, above all because of what happened in the box, that it is unacceptable. I told him [Rubiales]: "Have to be honest with you, I think you can't be here as president,"' he added. 

Spanish football leader Miguel Angel Galan officially lodged a complaint with both the Prosecutor's Office in Madrid and the State Attorney General's Office.

In his complaint, he asserted that Rubiales' conduct amounted to an accusation of sexual assault.

"I would like to file a complaint against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Soccer Federation, for committing an alleged crime of sexual assault against the Spanish women's soccer team's Jennifer Hermoso," said Galan, president of CENAFE - the country's national school for football coaches.

He added, "This was an intolerable act of sexist behaviour within our sport, which could constitute an alleged crime of sexual assault. I therefore request that a complaint be filed."

Has FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales?

On Thursday, August 24, FIFA announced that it had initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, who had been holding onto his role amidst the controversy.

Emerging reports from the Spanish press on the same day indicated that Rubiales was contemplating his position following a demand for an explanation from Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Despute the backlash, Rubiales has steadfastly declined to step down from his position. A court hearing in this respect is scheduled on Monday, August 28.