26 August 2023 , 08:22
1243
0
The England women's national team have publicly declared their support of Jenni Hermoso amid the ongoing scandal concerning shamed Spanish FA (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, condemning the "sexist and patriarchal organisation".
Rubiales and the RFEF have been entrenched in spiralling controversy since the RFEF chief kissed Hermoso on the lips during Spain's Women's World Cup trophy presentation on Sunday.
In the aftermath Hermoso had said she "did not enjoy it" and later called for the president’s actions to ‘not go unpunished ’.
Notable footballers, clubs and high-profile Spanish politicians, including the acting Spanish prime minister, similarly denounced Rubiales' behaviour and demanded action be taken.
Rubiales was expected to resign at an extraordinary general assembly called by the RFEF on Friday but the 46-year-old -- who had also been spotted grabbing his crotch in celebration of the La Roja's 1-0 victory over England -- instead claimed he was the victim of a "social assassination" and "faux feminism" in a sensational refusal to resign from his post.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
The shamed RFEF boss also offered controversial women's national head coach Jorge Vilda a new four-year contract, despite ongoing allegations and protests over his employment from the national team players.
In total, 81 women's footballers, including Hermoso and her World Cup-winning teammates, subsequently signed a joint statement refusing to play for the national team again until Rubiales was sacked.
The statement has been widely supported, and the Lionesses have since joined in backing their World Cup opponents in a joint statement. Posting to their individual social media accounts, the Lionesses' statement read: "Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation.
"Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth. The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.
"We all stand with you, Jenni Hermoso and all players of the Spanish team."