The captains of Spain’s national men’s soccer team on Monday declared support for their World Cup-winning female counterparts, condemning the nonconsensual kiss that soccer federation president Luis Rubiales planted on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso.
“We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents,” Álvaro Morata said, reading a statement alongside fellow captains César Azpilicueta, Rodri and Marco Asensio, with the rest of the team on hand.
“We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents. Spanish soccer must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion and diversity, and must set an example with its behavior both on and off the field.”
It was the first public statement that the nation’s top men players had made since the female team’s historic win against England to take its first Women’s World Cup title on Aug. 20.
Immediately after the win in Sydney, Rubiales grabbed his crotch, even as Queen Letizia of Spain and her daughter, 16-year old Princess Sofía, stood nearby.
Later, during the medal ceremony as team members were filing past and hugging officials in a reception line, Rubiales gave Hermoso a kiss that “left me in a state of shock,” she said later, adding, “I believe that no person in any workplace should be the victim of this type of nonconsensual behavior.”
The Spanish women’s team said they would refuse to play until Rubiales resigned.
Since the uproar, Rubiales has alternately apologized and claimed to be the subject of a smear campaign by “false feminists.” The gesture, condemned by numerous officials all the way up to Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has sparked an investigation, his suspension by FIFA and calls for his ouster. At first he appeared set to resign, then said he wouldn’t. Rubiales’ mother has gone on a hunger strike to protest the censure.
Rubiales’ conduct tainted the landmark victory, the men’s team said.
“It’s a historic milestone filled with significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football, inspiring countless women with an invaluable triumph,” the squad stated. “Therefore, we want to express our regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished.”
With News Wire Services