Photo: Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images
The Spanish team offered a press conference this Monday and the three captains, Álvaro Morata, Rodri and Azpilicueta, to condemn the acts of Luis Rubiales and the non-consensual kiss before Jenni Hermoso.
“We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents,” Álvaro Morata read in front of the journalists and his teammates called up to the team.
The National Team issues a statement rejecting Rubiales’ attitude in the women’s World Cup final:
💬 “We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents”. pic.twitter.com/EPwpTmpeAm
– Relay (@relevo) September 4, 2023
In the statement read by the players in the men’s category, they congratulated the women’s team, although they did not mention Jenni Hermoso, who denounced Rubiales for the kiss and assault.
“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 loaded with meaning that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football, inspiring many women with an invaluable triumph. For this reason, we want to regret and express our solidarity with the players who have seen their success marred,” the statement continued.
The players also urged the media and fans to focus on sports issues and not on the scandal in the Spanish Football Federation in the framework of the Euro 2024 Qualifiers.
“Starting today, we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish football on our way to qualifying for Euro 2024 with two games against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like that, from now on, we could focus on sports issues given the relevance of the challenges that lie ahead.
Many people have complained about how late a response from the Spain team has arrived and that they have not mentioned Hermoso during their words offered in this statement to the media.
On the other hand, Jorge Vilda is expected to leave his position as coach of the women’s team this week after meeting with Pedro Rocha, interim president of the Spanish Football Federation, as reported by Cadena Ser.
Vilda received criticism after applauding at Rubiales’ press conference where she stated that she was not going to resign and that everything was in agreement with Jenni Hermoso.
Keep reading:
– “It’s over”: President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, sends a strong message to Luis Rubiales
– The TAD already has the request of the CSD to temporarily suspend Luis Rubiales
– How much does Jenni Hermoso earn? Liga MX can boast its world champion