Spain’s coach, Jorge Vilda, stated, “There is no doubt that it is unacceptable.” FIFA suspends Luis Rubiales for 90 days on the basis of his behavior during the Women’s World Cup final. Rubiales and the Spanish FA have also been told not to contact Jenni Hermoso; all 11 members of Vilda’s coaching staff have resigned.
The behavior of Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales at last week’s Women’s World Cup final was denounced by Spain Women’s coach Jorge Vilda.
Rubiales caused uproar when he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips while she collected her medal after Spain’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney last weekend.
He was provisionally suspended by FIFA on Saturday and said he would not resign from his post.
FIFA has also ordered Rubiales and the Spanish FA not to contact the World Cup winner or anyone close to her, while all 11 members of Vilda’s coaching team have resigned.
Assistant managers Montse Tome, Javier Lerga and Eugenio Gonzalo Martin are among those to have stood down, citing their ’emphatic condemnation’ of Rubiales in a joint statement, but Vilda remains in his role as head coach.
In a statement published in Marca, Vilda said: “The events that have taken place since Spain won the Women’s World Cup for the first time in its history… have been real nonsense and have generated an unprecedented situation, tarnishing the deserved triumph of our players and our country.
“I deeply regret that the victory of Spanish women’s football has been harmed by the improper behavior that our president, Luis Rubiales, has carried out and that he himself has acknowledged.
“There is no doubt that it is unacceptable and does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my life, in sport in general, and in football in particular.
“A clearly undesirable climate has been generated, far from what should have been a great celebration of Spanish sport and women’s sport.”
Vilda continued: “My work as the women’s national coach and sports director of the women’s national team has always been aimed at achieving sporting success, but also at promoting initiatives that promote inclusion, respect and equity.
“I reiterate my unwavering commitment to promoting a sport that is a model of equality and respect in our society.”
Hermoso has accused the federation of a “manipulative, hostile, and controlling culture”.
Rubiales is under investigation by FIFA, but UEFA, of which he is a €250,000-a-year vice-president – has yet to comment.
“The RFEF announces that, this morning, it has received notification from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee of the provisional suspension of Mr President, Luis Rubiales Bejar, while the disciplinary file is being processed,” said Spain’s football federation in response to FIFA’s suspension of Rubiales.
“During this period, the Vice President attached to the Presidency, Pedro Rocha Junco, assumes the interim presidency in accordance with the provisions of the RFEF Statutes.”
“Luis Rubiales has stated that he will legally defend himself in the competent bodies, he fully trusts the FIFA procedures, and he reiterates that, in this way, he is given the opportunity to begin his defense so that the truth prevails and complete innocence is proven.”
Hermoso said on Friday that she did not agree to the kiss, but her country’s football federation (RFEF) declared plans to take legal action in response to the forward’s statements about Rubiales.
Rubiales was expected to resign over the kiss controversy on Friday, but instead claimed to be the victim of a witch-hunt by “false feminists” in an unexpected statement to the Spanish Football Federation’s general assembly.
Hermoso and her teammates reacted angrily, vowing not to play for Spain again just days after winning the World Cup for the first time.
In a statement issued Friday night, the 33-year-old forward stated that she “at no time” consented to the kiss.
Rubiales accused of using his federation.”Mr. President’s feet are ostensibly lifted from the ground as a result of the player’s action,” according to the statement.
“The results of the testing are conclusive. Mr. President did not tell the truth.
“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.”
Hermoso, on the other hand, was reported in a statement released by Futpro, the players’ organization that represents her, as saying, “In no case did I seek to raise the president.”
England Women’s captain Leah Williamson sent a message in support of Hermoso and the Spanish squad that defeated them 1-0 in the World Cup final.