Arr, Spain's fleet o' footballers be supportin' Jenni Hermoso, swearin' to swab the deck an' boycott battles 'til Rubiales walks the plank!
2023-08-25
Arrr, mateys! Jenni Hermoso, a swashbucklin' soccer player, be joinin' the Spanish Women's World Cup crew in boycotting the national team, till Luis Rubiales, the landlubber presidin' over the Spanish football federation, be walkin' the plank!
The Spanish women's national team recently won the FIFA Women's World Cup, but their victory has been overshadowed by controversy. After the game, Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso during the postgame ceremony. This act sparked outrage, with many calling for Rubiales to step down. However, Rubiales has refused to resign, claiming that the calls for his ouster are a campaign of "social assassination" by what he calls "false feminists."In response to Rubiales' refusal to step down, the 23 women who make up the Spanish national team's roster announced that they would not play for the team as long as he remained in power. Hermoso released a statement through her players union, denying Rubiales' claim that the kiss was consensual. She stated that she did not consent to the kiss and that she will not tolerate her word being called into question.
Hermoso and her teammates are calling for "real change" to help the national team continue to grow and succeed. They have stated that they will not play for Spain while the current management remains in power. Rubiales has issued an apology for the kiss, but Hermoso maintains that it was nonconsensual and put her in a vulnerable position.
In addition to the player boycott, three members of the soccer federation, including the vice president, have recently decided to step down. Spain's government also plans to file a lawsuit against Rubiales, alleging that he violated the country's sports laws. If found guilty, he could be removed from office.
A total of 58 former Spanish national team players have co-signed the statement announcing the boycott, showing widespread support for the players' stance against Rubiales. The controversy surrounding the kiss has brought attention to issues of consent and sexism in sports, highlighting the need for change within the federation.