More stories

  • in

    England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly relaxes in bikini top as she enjoys well-earned break after Women’s World Cup heroics

    CHLOE KELLY has been taking a well-earned break after her exploits at the Women’s World Cup.The England star was pictured on holiday in Ibiza.
    Chloe Kelly was pictured enjoying a holiday in IbizaCredit: Instagram @chloekelly
    She shared the snaps, including one alongside boyfriend Scott Moore, to her InstagramCredit: Instagram @chloekelly
    Kelly, 25, featured in all seven games at the Australia tournament.
    She scored once, but was unable to repeat her heroics from the Euro 2022 final as the Lionesses fell to a 1-0 defeat against Spain.
    Despite the bitter taste of defeat, there was national pride in a the remarkable achievement of making England’s first World Cup final since 1966.
    Following the final, Sarina Weigman’s Lionesses jetted home from Sydney.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Kelly has since headed to Ibiza to unwind.
    She shared a photo to her Instagram page wearing a Burberry bikini top and crochet cream trousers.
    Her post was captioned: “Much needed R&R time ☀️🤍🌴.”
    Kelly added sunglasses, black sliders and a pair of wristbands to her look as she posed in front of the camera.
    Most read in Football
    In a second photo she was pictured alongside boyfriend Scott Moore.
    The pair have been dating for four years, and are often seen together in loved-up snaps on Instagram.
    Kelly played in all seven of England’s games at the World CupCredit: Getty
    She scored once in AustraliaCredit: Getty
    Kelly jetted back from Sydney with the rest of the Lioness squadCredit: Splash
    She scored the winner at Euro 2022 and had an iconic celebrationCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    I did NOT consent to kiss from Luis Rubiales, says Spain star Hermoso as FA release bizarre defence of disgraced chief

    JENNI Hermoso insists she did NOT consent to being kissed by disgraced football chief Luis Rubiales after the Women’s World Cup final.The 33-year-old admitted she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression” in the immediate aftermath of the kiss, which the Spanish FA president claimed was “consensual”.
    Hermoso has said she did not consent to the ‘shock’ kissCredit: BBC
    The 33-year-old admitted she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”Credit: Spanish FA
    Rubiales – who was hit with a 90-day suspension by FIFA today – has faced furious backlash, with 81 Spanish stars now refusing to play for the women’s team and men’s star Borja Iglesias also striking.
    England’s Lionesses – who lost to Spain in the final – also slammed the Spanish FA as a “sexist and patriarchal organisation”.
    On Friday Rubiales sensationally refused to resign during an emergency press conference and blamed “false feminism” for his “social assassination”.
    Hermoso then issued an emotional statement overnight in which she claimed she had been put under “continuous pressure” to defend the Spanish football federation president.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    She said she had felt “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out of place act without any consent on my part” in a hard-hitting Instagram post.
    Jenni, who plays for Mexican side Pachuca, spoke out after Spain’s national women’s soccer team announced they would not play again until Rubiales stepped down following his surprise decision to fight his detractors and refuse to resign.
    Late last night the football federation he presides over honed in on Hermoso and accused her of lying in a bizarre photo-led ‘defence’ of the seconds leading up to the infamous Stadium Australia kiss which is now being talked about more than the Spanish women’s historic World Cup win.
    The Spanish FA pointed the finger directly at Hermoso by publishing four pictures it insisted showed her putting her arms round Rubiales and lifting him up from the ground.
    Most read in Football
    The RFEF say Hermoso ‘keeps her arms around Mr. President’s back’Credit: Spanish FA
    The Spanish football federation said the president was lifted ‘as a result of the action of force’ from HermosoCredit: Spanish FA
    The Spanish FA say Hermoso ‘continues to keep her arms in the same position’Credit: Spanish FA
    She has insisted she never sought to lift Rubiales up despite him claiming otherwise at a press conference yesterday when he said the kiss was “spontaneous” and happened after she said “OK” to his suggestion of a “little peck”.
    In a statement via football union FUTPRO, Hermoso denied trying to lift Rubiales up from the ground and she and her World Cup teammates announced their ‘Quit or we’ll not play again’ ultimatum to Rubiales.
    Announcing lawsuits in its no-holds-barred response, the Spanish FA said: “The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and its president will demonstrate each one of the lies that are being spread, whether by someone in the name of the player Jennifer Hermoso, or if it were the case, by the player herself.
    “The RFEF and its president, given the gravity of the press release put out by the FUTPRO union, is going to initiate corresponding legal action.
    “The RFEF regrets that after such an extraordinary sporting success as that which occurred at the World Cup finals, we cannot be celebrating the situation and this success in the deserved way due to totally non-sporting reasons.”
    In another direct message to Jenni and her World Cup team-mates over their decision to boycott the national team while Rubiales remains in his post, the Spanish FA added: “The RFEF respects at all times the decisions of the players about wanting to participate or not with the Spanish team in international games.
    “However it would like to state that participation in the team is an obligation of those who are federated if they are called for that purpose.”
    The Spanish FA claimed in its lengthy statement it had tried to contact Jenni Hermoso about her post-match claims regarding the kiss but had failed to reach her.
    Appearing to threaten her as well as her football union with legal action it said: “The RFEF announces the presentation of as many lawsuits as are necessary to defend the honourability of its president, who has outlined in a very clear and simple way how the events occurred that are the motive of divisiveness and mockery of large sectors of society against him.
    “The press release FUTPRO put out has inverted quotes attributed to Jennifer Hermoso in which she says: “‘I want to clarify that, as seen in the images, at no time did I consent to the kiss that he gave me and of course I never tried to lift the president up. I will not tolerate my words being questioned, much less words that I have not said being invented.’”
    “In a state where there is rule of law, opinions are counteracted with facts and evidence and lies are refuted in court.
    “The RFEF president has wanted to deal with his issue with the maximum respect for the players and institutions and only when an unacceptable red line was crossed has he come out publicly to give his version of events.”
    Claiming Rubiales’s version of events was “true” and he “doesn’t lie” the statement went on to detail against a sequence of four photos how Jenni Hermoso “grabbed him with her hands round his back” and said the fact his hands were loose on the top of her back meant he was “unable to exert any pressure.”
    The RFEF have DEFENDED the 46-year-old in a bizarre statementCredit: BBC
    Rubiales has refused to resign over the issueCredit: Reuters
    Luis Rubiales apologised for grabbing his crotch while stood next to Spain’s Queen Letizia
    Saying she lifted him off the ground by pointing out his heels “were higher in photo one than in photo two”, the RFEF insisted he had been forced to hold onto her back to maintain his balance while the player hoisted him up into the air.
    Of the last photo it said: “Jennifer Hermoso still has her arms in the same position on the president’s body while the president has to carry on holding onto the player so as not to fall.
    “It is obvious that the arch in the player’s back corresponds to the force of elevation of the president she is carrying out.
    “The evidence is conclusive, the RFEF president has not lied.”
    The Spanish FA did not publish any pictures of the kiss itself in its photo compilation, or the shocking moment when Rubiales grabbed his crotch next to Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter after the final whistle which he has apologised for.
    The controversial football chief initially branded his detractors “idiots” in the backlash over the kiss and his crotch grab.
    He later apologised for the kiss but defended it as a spontaneous act before saying “false feminists” claiming he had committed an act of sexual violence were guilty of an attempted “social assassination” in an apparent U-turn on an initial decision to resign.
    The Spanish government has started legal action to suspend Rubiales.
    Men’s striker Iglesias, who plays for Real Betis and has two international caps, has showed his support for the women players by quitting the national team in protest.
    The Lionesses released a joint statement in support of Spain and HermosoCredit: PA
    World Cup runners-up England released a joint statement on Friday evening which 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.”
    Former Man United goalie David de Gea tweeted after Rubiales refused to go quietly: “My ears are bleeding.”
    USA legend Alex Morgan said: “I’m disgusted by the public actions of Luis Rubiales.
    “I stand by @Jennihermoso and the Spanish players.
    “Winning a World Cup should be one of the best moments in these players’ lives but instead it’s overshadowed by assault, misogyny, and failures by the Spanish federation.”
    Former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin said: “What is happening is truly shameful.
    “From representing our country with that level of vulgarity, misrepresenting the victim’s statements and, on top of that, having the audacity to blame her, going on to victimise her for having committed an abuse, are facts that no one would do.
    “How can this go unpunished? Football is a social tool to make advancements and progress, machismo should have no place within this system.
    “The narcissist never believes he has made a mistake, he is capable of lying, manipulating the truth and making the victim guilty in order to maintain his power above others.”
    Read More on The Sun
    And ITV presenter Laura Woods added: “This actually isn’t trial by social media…it’s a pattern of behaviour being called out in a way that can’t be ignored any longer.
    “And if some sort of justice is served, perhaps a ‘social assassination’ as Rubiales calls it, is exactly what was needed.”
    Laura Woods has also called for ‘justice to be served’Credit: Getty More

  • in

    Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings into Spanish FA president Rubiales after he grabbed women’s star and kissed her

    FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings over the conduct of Luis Rubiales after he grabbed and kissed a World Cup star.The Spanish FA president planted his lips on Jenni Hermoso after they beat England 1-0 in the final.
    Luis Rubiales is being investigated by FifaCredit: Rex
    Rubiales forced a kiss on Hermoso’s lips
    Rubiales was presenting the Spain team with their winners’ medals when the shocking incident occurred.
    The 46-year-old grabbed several members of the squad and hugged them tightly on their way to the podium.
    Footage showed him forcing a kiss Hermoso’s lips with the attacking midfielder revealing afterwards that she “did not enjoy” it in a clip addressing the situation on Instagram.
    The chief rewarded his winning players with a holiday to Ibiza and vowed to marry Hermoso on the island during a dressing room speech.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Rubiales has faced widespread criticism, including from Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez.
    Hermoso has also issued a statement with the players’ union calling for “measures to protect the players against actions we believe are unacceptable”.
    Rubiales was also caught on camera grabbing his genitals in the stands during the match.
    The former defender was positioned next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia at the time.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    There has been calls for Rubiales to resign.
    He initially seemed to defend his kiss with Hermoso and branded critics as “idiots”.
    Rubiales spoke on radio Marca and said: “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocy.
    “We are champions and that’s what I’ll take.”
    He later released an apology, saying: “I’ve no doubt made a mistake and I have to admit it.
    “At a moment of maximum excitement, without any bad intention or bad faith, what happened happened in a very spontaneous manner, I repeat without bad faith on either side.”
    Fifa confirmed they will look into his actions, saying: “The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
    “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter.
    “FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.”
    Luis Rubiales has been widely criticisedCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Spain World Cup star at centre of kiss row meets wacky Mojitoman as players soak up the sun in Ibiza

    SPAIN’S World Cup stars met the Mojitoman as they holidayed in Ibiza while celebrating their amazing triumph.La Roja beat England 1-0 in Sydney to become champions of the world.
    Spain stars pose with the MojitomanCredit: Splash
    The Mojitoman appeared alongside Jenni HermosoCredit: Splash
    Hermoso had a go on a paddle board on the waterCredit: Splash
    She then jumped into the glistening oceanCredit: Splash
    Since returning from Down Under, a number of Spain’s victorious stars have been relaxing on a yacht in Ibiza.
    These victorious stars include Jenni Hermoso, who was disgracefully kissed on the lips by under-fire Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales as she went to collect her medal.
    Hermoso, 33, subsequently refused to take part in Rubiales’ apology video, and has demanded that “exemplary measures” are taken.
    Thankfully, she still appears to have been able to enjoy her incredible team success with her peers.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    She has been soaking up the Ibiza sunshine alongside team-mates including Alexia Putellas and Misa Rodriguez.
    And the stars have even been joined onboard by the Mojitoman.
    Real name Ariel Naso, the Mojitoman is famous in Ibiza for swimming up to stars’ yachts and serving them.
    He has catered for plenty of the rich and famous, including Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
    Most read in Football
    Hermoso has been holidaying in Ibiza alongside her team-matesCredit: Splash
    Hermoso hangs out with team-mate Alexia PutellasCredit: Splash
    The Mojitoman was spotted hanging out with Spain stars, posing for a snap with his arms around Hermoso and Rodriguez.
    Players were also seen going for a swim, as well as paddling with their drinks.
    Olga Carmona has also joined her team-mates in Ibiza.
    The Real Madrid star scored Spain’s brilliant winner in the final, before tragically learning of her father’s passing after the final whistle.
    Hermoso, meanwhile, has released a statement alongside her union and agency, following Rubiales’ actions.
    It read: “My union Futpro, in coordination with my agency TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter.”
    Futpro added: “We are working to ensure that acts such as those we have seen never go unpunished, that they are sanctioned and that the exemplary measures are adopted to protect women footballers from actions that we believe are unacceptable.”
    The midfielder previously revealed on Instagram that she “didn’t like” Rubiales’ actions.
    Spain stars have been having fun in the seaCredit: Splash
    Plenty of the squad have made the trip to IbizaCredit: Splash More

  • in

    England’s Lionesses to be immortalised at Madame Tussauds after heroic World Cup efforts

    THE Lionesses will be immortalised at Madame Tussauds after their heroic efforts in the World Cup.The waxwork museum has launched a public vote so that people can choose their favourite team member to be recreated as a figure at the attraction in central London.
    Madame Tussauds has launched a public vote so that people can choose their favourite team member to be recreatedCredit: Getty
    General Manager Tim Waters said: “Like the rest of the nation we’re incredibly proud of the Lionesses.
    “Not only for their success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year, but for their momentous win in Europe last year and all they have done for their sport-bringing women’s football roaring into the mainstream.
    “They inspire and encourage so many, and we feel it’s only right what they have achieved is commemorated so we’re going to do that in the way that only Madame Tussauds London can.
    “The whole team have been outstanding, and they all brought so much to the World Cup, which makes it really difficult for us to pick who our expert artists should create.
    READ MORE ON LIONESSES
    “That’s why we’re putting it to the public, to help us decide who we should choose.”
    The poll on their website will run until September 8, with the results announced next year. More

  • in

    Lorraine forced to apologise for Larry the psychic parrot after Women’s World Cup blunder on live TV

    LORRAINE have apologised for Larry the psychic parrot after he “lied” about the Women’s World Cup final result.Larry had predicted the Lionesses would win the Sydney showdown with Spain.
    Larry the psychic parrot incorrectly predicted England would winCredit: ITV
    The Lionesses suffered a heartbreaking final defeat to SpainCredit: Getty
    But Sarina Wiegman’s side were beaten 1-0 after Olga Carmona’s first-half strike.
    Larry the parrot had previously predicted all other results at the tournament correctly.
    But hosts on the ITV show felt compelled to apologise after Larry built up viewers’ hopes – only to have them dashed by England’s defeat.
    Presenter Ranvir Singh opened Monday’s show by saying sorry to viewers – joking the “liar” was “on the phone to his lawyers”.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    She said: “We do have to start today’s show with an apology, Larry, our psychic parrot, got it spectacularly wrong on Friday.
    “Larry, he predicted that England would win the World Cup final… he’s on the phone to his lawyers right now as we speak.
    “His career is over, I’m afraid, Larry, you’re a liar – that’s all we’ve got to say.”
    The Lionesses are flying home after a memorable World Cup campaign which saw them beat Nigeria, Colombia and hosts Australia in the knock-out rounds.
    Most read in Football
    That sparked calls for there to be a public holiday to commemorate the achievement.
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Fans are still demanding a bank holiday despite defeat in the final, though it appears the call will fall on deaf ears.
    England’s amazing run to the final saw the squad pocket a £2.4million prize money pot for the FA from Fifa.
    That £2.4m is likely to be split between the players and the FA – with the governing body historically giving 40 per cent to the squad in their previous tournaments for the men.
    Should the same percentages be used for the women this time around, the 23 heroic Lionesses would get £41,700 each with £1.44m going back into the FA. More

  • in

    Alessia Russo appears to break down in tears as England Women’s World Cup team head home after heartbreaking final loss

    ALESSIA RUSSO appeared to be in tears as the Lionesses waited for their plane home at Sydney Airport.The heartbroken star was subbed at half-time during the Women’s World Cup final defeat against Spain on Sunday morning.
    Alessia Russo looked emotional at Sydney Airport following defeat in the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Splash
    She appeared to break down in tearsCredit: Splash
    Alex Greenwood still had her bruise from the match on her eyeCredit: Splash
    And Russo, 24, is still feeling the pain from the defeat a day later as she appeared to wipe tears away while in the departures lounge.
    The Arsenal star was replaced at half-time by manager Sarina Wiegman with the Lionesses chasing a goal.
    She and Rachel Daly, 31, made way for Lauren James and Chloe Kelly but the pair were unable to find an equaliser.
    Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal to clinch the trophy for Jorge Vilda and La Roja.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Russo finished the tournament as England’s joint-top scorer alongside James and Lauren Hemp with three goals.
    Wiegman defended her decision to make the change after the game as she insisted that the team “gave everything”.

    She said: “I have no regrets. I think we gave everything. The players gave everything.
    “We tried different tactics. I also have to give credit to Spain.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Sarina Wiegman defended her decision to sub RussoCredit: PA
    “I think they were the team over the whole tournament who played the best football.”
    She was not the only star of the team to appear emotional as the whole squad looked tired after the six-week tournament.
    All 23 players, as well as Wiegman and her coaching staff, were seen together ahead of the long flight back to England.
    Alex Greenwood also appeared with a bruised eye following her collision with Spain striker Salma Paralluelo during the match.
    The Manchester City and England defender took a brutal knee to the head in the 80th minute of the final, but insisted on continuing until full-time.
    Defensive duo Daly and Jess Carter looked down as they left England’s team hotel for the airport.
    The team did still have an after-party and were joined by England’s staff and their family and friends.
    They are now flying home from AustraliaCredit: Splash More

  • in

    Spain football boss Luis Rubiales seen grabbing crotch next to queen & teen daughter before shock kiss of World Cup star

    SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has come under fire once more after footage emerged of him grabbing his crotch next to the Queen and her daughter.The football official had already been slammed for grabbing and kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermose on the lips following La Roja’s 1-0 victory over England in Sydney.
    Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales seen grabbing crotch next to queen & teen daughter before shock kiss of World Cup starCredit: Twitter/@PabloEchenique
    He would then proceed to grab the face of Jeni Hermose and kiss her on the lipsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Speaking on Spanish TV, the World Cup winner later revealed that she “did not enjoy” the kiss.
    And Rubiales has now landed himself in even more hot water after he was captured thrusting his groin area in the direction of the players.
    The 45-year-old committed the act as he was celebrating Spain’s World Cup win following the final whistle.
    The shocking moment happened as he was stood next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia.
    Read more in Football
    The video was uploaded by Spanish politician Pablo Echenique, who has slammed Rubiales for his behaviour.
    He said: “As well as giving Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss on the lips while he grabbed her head, an act that could represent the commission of a crime, Rubiales also celebrated Spain’s victory grabbing his testicles next to the queen and her daughter.”
    The Spanish FA chief has since responded to the criticism of the kiss and defended his actions on Radio Marca.
    “The kiss with Jenni?”, he said. “There are idiots everywhere.
    Most read in Football
    “When two people have an insignificant show of affection, we cannot pay attention to idiocy. We are champions, and with that, I stay”.
    Echenique, who is a member of hard-left wing party Podemos, also posted a photo of Rubiales up to further tricks.
    Having already inappropriately kissed Hermose on the lips, he was then captured giving match winner Olga Carmona a peck on the cheek.
    Echenique uploaded this photo to his Twitter feed, with the caption: “Here he is too with Olga Carmona.
    “It seems this guy was drooling over and stalking the whole team”.
    Inside the changing room following the game, Rubiales was filmed announcing a trip to Ibiza as a reward for the players.
    He then joked in front of Hermose, having already kissed her, and her teammates: “In Ibiza we’ll be celebrating Jenni and Luis Rubiales’ wedding.”
    During a live stream for fans, Hermose admitted she hadn’t liked the kiss but said it was a “mutually and totally spontaneous gesture”.
    She then insisted: “The president and I have a great relationship.”
    Rubiales, however, revealed his frustration at the claims made towards him when speaking with Spanish programme El Partizado.
    “It’s a peak of two friends celebrating something”, he spat.
    “We’re not here for bulls***. Me, with everything I’ve been through, more bulls*** and more a**holes, no.
    “Let’s ignore it and enjoy the good stuff and don’t even tell me things about losers who can’t see (the positive). 
    “It is a thing without evil. If there are fools, let them continue with their nonsense. There are more fools than windows. Let’s pay attention to those who are not fools. 
    “It is something without evil and nonsense.”
    Rubiales has previously hit the headlines for other controversy, having been accused of using federation funds to pay for a sex party in early 2020.
    He was outed by his uncle, whom he sacked as chief of staff at the FA’s Madrid headquarters that same year.
    Juan Rubiales claimed that his nephew organised the “private party” with “eight or 10 young girls” and made him pay for it with association funds.
    Read More on The Sun
    The allegations brought firm denials and an angry response from the Spanish FA.
    Spanish politician Pablo Echenique claims Rubiales “was drooling over and stalking the whole team”Credit: Reuters
    Rubiales celebrates Spain’s Women’s World Cup win with head coach Jorge VildaCredit: Getty
    Rubiales has defended his actions by claiming “there are idiots everywhere”Credit: AP More