World Cup winner Alexia Putellas says the present scenario in Spanish soccer is “unacceptable” after Luis Rubiales refused to resign as FA president amid robust criticism of his behaviour eventually weekend’s last in Sydney.
The Spanish media had broadly reported on Thursday night that Rubiales was about to stand down at a rare common meeting of the Spanish federation (RFEF) on Friday.
FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings towards him on Thursday, after he grabbed his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory over England regardless of being simply metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter within the stadium VIP space.
He then kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips on the medal and trophy presentation, one thing she later admitted on social media she “didn’t like”.
Rubiales apologised for his behaviour within the VIP space, however insisted in his speech on Friday that the Hermoso kiss was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
He stated he had been the goal of a “social assassination” and repeatedly and emphatically said “I can’t resign”, phrases which drew applause from the gathered delegates.
Rubiales’ defiant stance prompted contemporary requires the Spanish authorities to take motion, whereas world gamers’ union FIFPRO stated UEFA – for whom Rubiales is an government committee member and vice-president – should open disciplinary proceedings.
However maybe essentially the most damning response of all got here from Barcelona star Putellas, who posted on X: “This is unacceptable. It’s over. With you my team-mate @Jennihermoso.”
Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s second deputy prime minister, stated the federal government “should act and take pressing measures”, including: “Impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales can’t proceed in workplace.”
World gamers’ union FIFPRO stated it had written to UEFA urging it to open disciplinary proceedings.
“Any lack of motion by authorities in addressing the conduct of Mr Rubiales would ship a completely unacceptable and damaging message to the soccer trade and wider society,” the assertion concluded.
European soccer’s governing physique has but to problem any touch upon the Rubiales case.
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta was requested whether or not the controversy over Rubiales had overshadowed Spain’s World Cup success.
“Hopefully it doesn’t as a result of I’m extraordinarily happy with what they (the gamers) have achieved,” he stated at a press convention on Friday.
“The entire nation is, however I don’t have the total particulars so I can’t touch upon what occurred in the present day. Nevertheless it is unhappy that this is taking place whereas everybody must be celebrating and be extraordinarily happy with what they’ve achieved.”
Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique, who coached Spain’s males’s crew eventually 12 months’s World Cup in Qatar, stated Rubiales’ work as FA president had been “distinctive”, including: “The statistics are there to see so he has achieved brilliantly.
“As for what occurred within the final recreation, the president has admitted his mistake so I don’t have to provide my opinion.”
