Spanish Men’s Team Rebukes Luis Rubiales Over Kissing Incident

The Spanish men’s national team has criticized Luis Rubiales for his “unacceptable behaviour” in the current “kiss-gate” incident.

At the beginning of the international break on Monday, September 4, senior players Alvaro Morata, Cesar Azpilicueta, Rodri, and Marco Asensio made a statement on behalf of the entire team.

The action was taken a few weeks after Rubiales created controversy when he kissed Jenni Hermoso, a player for Spain, on the mouth as she stood to accept her medal after Spain’s 1-0 victory in the Women’s World Cup final.

Additionally, a video surfaced showing Rubiales clutching his privates while in close proximity to Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Infanta Sofia, 16, for which he has subsequently expressed regret.

Hermoso has now argued that the kiss was not mutual, and hundreds of Spanish players have joined a walkout in protest. Nearly the whole coaching staff has also resigned.

Despite the fact that there is a sexual abuse inquiry ongoing, Rubiales has refused to step down.

The statement began: “Once concentrated in Las Rozas, the National Team players want to highlight several issues regarding the latest events that have damaged the image of Spanish football.

“First of all, we want to convey, once again, our pride and our most sincere congratulations to the women’s national team for the title of World Champions in Sydney.

“A historical milestone full of meaning that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football, inspiring many women with a triumph of incalculable value. For this reason, we want to regret and express our solidarity with the players who have seen their success tarnished.”

Read Also: Spain Men’s Coach Apologises For Supporting Luis Rubiales

After criticizing Rubiales, the statement suggested that the team concentrate on its next games. The team of Luis de la Fuente will play their seventh qualifying match in Georgia before taking on Cyprus at home the following Tuesday.

“We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behaviour on the part of Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents,’ the statement continued.

“We place ourselves firmly and clearly on the side of the values ​​that sport represents. Spanish football must be an engine of respect, inspiration, inclusion and diversity and must set an example with its conduct both on and off the field.

“From today, we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish football on our way to qualify for Euro 2024 with two games against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like that, from now on, we could focus on sporting issues given the relevance of the challenges that lie ahead.”

De la Fuente, 62, has apologized for applauding Rubiales at a speech in which he stated he wouldn’t resign, which has drawn criticism.

De la Fuente indicated that he thought Rubiales would step down during the meeting, but he welcomed the under-fire manager’s remarks as he sat next to Jorge Vilda, who may also lose his job as manager of the women’s team.

As reported by Marca, De la Fuente said: “What I did is unjustifiable. What I’m trying to expose is the context. I was overwhelmed, I didn’t know how to live up to it and I couldn’t control my emotions.

“When you later reflect and see yourself on cameras… I don’t recognize myself. Inside the forest one sees nothing but branches and when one separates from the forest one sees the true situation.”

While fighting attempts to suspend him, Rubiales has asserted that he is the “victim of a political and media lynching” who is actually “advancing feminism.”

FIFA has already given Rubiales a 90-day suspension, and according to Mail Sport, the body is seeking for a 15-year suspension from all football.

The 46-year-old is facing charges from Spain’s Sports Administrative Tribunal (TAD), but they are for “serious” rather than “very serious” misbehaviour.