The Spanish men’s national football team has moved to condemn the behaviour of the president of the country’s football federation Luis Rubiales, releasing a statement that said they “reject” his “unacceptable behaviour”.
The statement was read out by a selection of players from the men’s team at a press conference on Monday, with the statement also published on the federation’s website.
It marked the first public statement from the men’s national team, and comes more than two weeks after Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips as the Spanish women’s team celebrated its World Cup victory. Hermoso did not consent to the kiss, and the incident has led to widespread calls for Rubiales’ resignation. At the World Cup, Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch while standing close to Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter.
“We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not been up to the level of the institution he represents,” the statement from joint captains Álvaro Morata, César Azpilicueta, Rodrigo Hernández and Marco Asensio says.
“We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents. Spanish football must a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behavior both on and off the field.”
Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for a period of three months while an investigation gets underway. The women’s team has also said it will not play until Rubiales is removed from his position.
The statement from the men’s team also congratulated the women’s team on its World Cup win, describing it as “a historic milestone filled with significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish female soccer, inspiring countless women with an invaluable triumph”.
Álvaro Morata expressed solidarity to the players in the women’s team “who have seen their success tarnished”.
“From today, we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish soccer on our way to Euro2024 qualification with two matches against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like, from now on, to be able to focus on sporting matters in view of the importance of the challenges ahead of us,” the statement concluded.