August 25, (THEWILL) – The World Cup-winning Spanish women’s national team has accused the Spanish Football Federation of fostering a “manipulative, hostile and controlling culture” under president Luis Rubiales.
In response, the entire team including all 23 members of the World Cup-winning squad, has refused to accept any national team call-ups as long as Rubiales remains in office. The player protest comes after Rubiales kissed star forward, Jenni Hermoso, without her consent, following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England.
Hermoso said she felt “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part.” She and her teammates condemn Rubiales’ behaviour as violating the dignity of women. In total, 81 players signed a letter stating their refusal to play for the national team under the current Federation leadership. They are demanding “real structural changes” and expect “forceful answers from the public authorities” regarding Rubiales’ actions.
THEWILL recalls that the players’ union FIFPRO has also written to UEFA urging disciplinary action against Rubiales. The President has apologised for his inappropriate actions during the World Cup medal ceremony but has refused calls to resign his position. He claims he is the victim of a “social assassination.” However, his defiance has only strengthened the players’ resolve to not represent Spain until he steps down.
Spain’s next scheduled match is a friendly against Sweden on September 22. It remains to be seen if Rubiales will resign or if the team’s boycott will force his ouster before then. But the World Cup champions have made clear they will not back down until the culture at the Spanish Football Federation changes under new leadership.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
