Spanish men’s football team weigh-in on ‘kiss-gate’ scandal – offering solidarity with female counterparts and saying they ‘REJECT the unacceptable behaviour’ of Luis Rubiales

Four members of the Spain men’s national team have approached the media to issue a statement about the state and image of Spanish football.

Alvaro Morata, Cesar Azpilicueta, Rodri and Marco Asensio, considered the captains of the team, spoke at the start of the international break on Monday and read a statement on behalf of the entire team present at the press conference.

The move came after a dizzying few weeks in Spanish football over issues surrounding Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales after he sparked outrage following the Women’s World Cup final when he kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth as she stepped forward. receives her medal after Spain’s 1-0 victory.

Footage also emerged showing Rubiales grabbing his crotch while standing next to Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter Princess Infanta Sofia – behavior for which he apologized.

Hermoso has since claimed the kiss was not consensual, and dozens of Spanish players have gone on strike, with almost the entire coaching staff resigning.

Rubiales sparked outrage by kissing Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup win in Australia

However, Rubiales has refused to step down and has resisted the claims while an investigation into sexual abuse is ongoing.

The start of the men’s international break has seen Spain’s men’s side meet ahead of matches against Georgia and Cyrpus in Euro 2024 qualifying, and the players have opted to address the issue immediately when they spoke to the press on Monday.

The statement began as follows: “Once concentrated in Las Rozas, the players of the national team want to highlight several issues related to the latest events that have damaged the image of Spanish football.

“First of all, we would like to once again convey our pride and our most sincere congratulations to the women’s national team on their world champion title in Sydney. A historic milestone full of significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football and inspire many women with an invaluable triumph. For this reason, we want to express our solidarity with the players who have seen their success tarnished.

The statement then went on to criticize Rubiales, before suggesting that the team focus on the upcoming games.

Luis de la Fuente’s side will travel to Georgia to play their seventh qualifying match before playing against Cyprus at home next Tuesday.

“We wish to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has failed to comply with the institution he represents,” the statement continued.

“We are resolutely and clearly on the side of the values ​​that sport represents. Spanish football must be an engine of respect, inspiration, inclusion and diversity, setting an example through its behavior both on and off the field.

Rubiales has refused to resign, sparking more outrage as the investigation into the incident continues

The entire Spanish men’s team was present at the press conference when the statement was read out on Monday

“As of today, we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish football on the way to qualifying for Euro 2024 with two games against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like to be able to focus on sporting issues from now on, given the relevance of the challenges ahead.”

There has been controversy surrounding de la Fuente himself, with the 62-year-old apologizing for applauding Rubiales during a speech saying he would not resign.

De la Fuente stated that he believed Rubiales would resign at the meeting, but applauded the beleaguered boss’s words as he sat next to women’s manager Jorge Vilda, who could also be fired from his role.

Spain’s men’s manager Luis de la Fuente has apologized for clapping Rubiales’ speech saying he will not resign

The 62-year-old said his actions were ‘unjustifiable’ and ‘he couldn’t control his emotions’

As Marca reported, De la Fuente said, “What I did is unjustifiable. What I’m trying to expose is the context. I was overwhelmed, I didn’t know how to handle it and I had no control over my emotions.

“When you think later and see yourself on cameras… I don’t recognize myself. Inside the forest you only see branches and when you separate yourself from the forest you see the true situation.’

Rubiales, meanwhile, has claimed he is the “victim of a political and media lynch mob,” actually “promoting feminism” as he continues to fight efforts to have him suspended.

FIFA has already imposed a 90-day ban on Rubiales and Mail Sport revealed that the governing body is pushing for a 15-year ban on all football.

In Spain, the Sports Administrative Tribunal (TAD) has opened a case against the 46-year-old, but it concerns ‘serious’ rather than ‘very serious’ misconduct.

Rubiales has claimed that he was “advancing the feminist cause” and called himself “the victim of an unprecedented political and media lynching.”

This means the National Sports Council (CSD) cannot suspend Rubiales while the investigation is ongoing, but Acting Sports and Culture Minister Miquel Iceta called on the tribunal on Friday to suspend the president for ‘abuse of his authority’ and damaging his image of sports.

Within minutes of Iceta’s claims, Rubiales hit back with an explosive statement that read, “I am the victim of an unprecedented political and media lynching.

“I was deliberately sidelined. But I have presented all relevant images showing the facts. That evidence will override opinions and clear my name.”

He also claimed that he was “advancing the feminist cause” and that his cause would be important to “real victims of aggression.”