The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced its intention to pursue legal action in response to the statements made by forward Jennifer Hermoso regarding an incident involving RFEF President Luis Rubiales. The controversy erupted after Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips following Spain's victory over England in the Women's World Cup final in Sydney. Rubiales has faced calls for his resignation but has staunchly refused to step down.
Hermoso, a prominent figure in Spanish women's football, asserted on August 25 that she did not provide consent for the kiss. However, the RFEF contested her version of events, stating that "the evidence is conclusive" and asserting that Rubiales did not lie about the incident.
The player's union, Futpro, which represents Jennifer Hermoso, released a statement where she was quoted as saying, "in no case did I seek to raise (lift) the president" while they were embracing on the winner's podium.
Responding to Futpro's statement, the RFEF issued a press release, stating;
"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 RFEF and the President, given the seriousness of the content of the press release from the Futpro union, will initiate the corresponding legal actions."
The controversy took a further turn as 81 female players publicly announced their refusal to represent the Spanish national team until Luis Rubiales steps down from his position. Additionally, Borja Iglesias, a striker for Real Betis, expressed that he would not participate in the men's national team as long as Rubiales remains in charge.
In an attempt to present its perspective, the RFEF released a statement accompanied by four images depicting the embrace between Jennifer Hermoso and Luis Rubiales. The federation's analysis of these images contends that Hermoso applied force to lift Rubiales' feet off the ground.
Efforts to directly communicate with Jennifer Hermoso by the RFEF reportedly proved unsuccessful. Hermoso, who holds the title of Spain's leading women's goalscorer with 51 goals from 101 appearances, has not yet responded publicly to the federation's latest developments.
The legal action initiated by the RFEF marks an escalation in the ongoing dispute, raising questions about the boundaries of consent, athlete-president interactions, and the larger implications for women's representation and leadership within the world of sports.
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