SPAINISH men’s team striker Borja Iglesias has QUIT international football in protest against FA chief Luis Rubiales.
The Real Betis forward, 30, took to Twitter to announce his shock resignation to stand in solidarity with the women’s side.
The two-cap star wrote on Twitter: “I am sad and disappointed.
“As a footballer and as a person I don’t feel represented by what happened today in the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas. I find it unfortunate that they continue to press and focus on a colleague.
“Wearing the Spanish national team shirt is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my career.
“I don’t know if at some point I will be an option again, but I have made the decision not to return to the national team until things change and this type of act does not go unpunished.
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“For a fairer, more humane and decent football.”
The tweet was shared by Gary Lineker, who wrote in Spanish: “Strong words and actions,” followed by three clapping emojis.
Iglesias – who has an alter ego called DJ Panda – made his senior La Roja debut in the Nations League against Switzerland last year but was snubbed for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
He earned his second cap in the 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifier defeat to Scotland in March.
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Igelesias’ decision comes after controversial RFEF boss Rubiales refused to resign after his inexplicable behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final and his ongoing leadership at the top of Spanish football.
On Sunday, he grabbed his crotch in celebration then kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips as she received her winner’s medal in Sydney following the 1-0 win over England.
The former Hamilton Academical defender also went into the dressing room after full-time, vowing to take the women’s team on a holiday to Ibiza and even to marry Hermoso.
Fifa opened a disciplinary proceeding into the situation on Thursday.
Various players, politicians and LaLiga clubs all publicly demanded Rubiales’ exit and criticised him.
David De Gea said his “ears are bleeding” while Hector Bellerin posted a passionate and lengthy statement.
And Rubiales was expected to announce his departure in a press conference this morning, only to declare: “I am not resigning.”
NO REGRET FROM RUBIALES
He blamed “false feminism” as one of the driving factors behind his so-called “social murder” and reiterated the kiss was “consented”.
However, midfielder Hermoso – who saw her penalty saved by Mary Earps – said on Instagram she “did not enjoy” the kiss.
Despite a bizarre statement put out by the Spanish FA allegedly from her, Hermoso clarified her views and called for action to be taken.
Rubiales reluctantly apologised on Monday but made the shock U-turn to insist he would “fight until the end” and remain in his post.
And the news was applauded in the audience by Jorge Vilda, the women’s team boss who has attracted criticism of his own for his management of the players.
Despite leading them to glory, Vilda is very unpopular with many of the Spanish squad.
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Last year, 15 Spain players walked out and boycotted the team after their Euro 2022 exit due to his management and until 2019, players were reportedly unable to lock their hotel doors at night until he had completed checks.
He was also accused of treating players like “children” and forcing them to reveal the contents of their bags at training.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
