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    Luis Rubiales ‘sexual assault’ probe launched after fury over Spanish FA boss’s ‘unsolicited’ World Cup kiss with player

    SPANISH prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation to establish if FA boss Luis Rubiales may have sexually assaulted Women’s World Cup star Jenni Hermoso.A preliminary probe was announced on Monday amid fury after the Spanish football chief, 46, kissed World Cup hero Hermoso, 33, during victory celebrations last week.
    Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales is facing a criminal investigation
    Rubiales has refused to resign amid the scandalCredit: AFP
    A statement from Spain’s highest court said: “Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault.”
    They would also contact Hermoso to offer her a chance to file a suit within 15 days.
    Prosecutors added they had also received a complaint of “obscene exhibitionism before a minor” after Rubiales appeared to grab his crotch in the stands next to Spain’s Princess Infanta Sofía.
    Rubiales, who was suspended by FIFA, has refused to resign over the scandal – prompting mass walkouts of players and staff and plunging the World Cup-winning nation into crisis.
    RUBIALES SCANDAL
    He has insisted the kiss was consensual and that he is the victim of character assassination by “false feminists”.
    In a powerful statement on Friday, Hermoso said: “I felt vulnerable and a victim of an assault, an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part.”
    As many as 11 members of women’s football staff in the Spanish football federation have also resigned from their posts.
    But the controversial Spain women’s coach Jorge Vilda did not resign despite criticising Rubiales’ conduct.
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    The court’s announcement came as Spain’s deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz slammed “systemic” sexism on Monday.
    Meanwhile Rubiales’ elderly mum launched a bizarre hunger-strike protest over what she called an “inhumane witch-hunt” against her son.
    She has demanded World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso tell the “truth” about the kiss – which Hermoso has made clear was not consensual.
    The retired hairdresser is carrying out her protest at the Divina Pastora Church in the Andalucia coastal resort of Motril east of Malaga where the suspended Spanish FA president grew up.
    She began her hunger strike this morning accompanied by a sister, 48, hours after her son travelled to Motril for a holiday.
    Angeles, whose husband is a former mayor of Motril, says she will continue her radical action until father-of-three son Luis receives “justice” and Hermoso “tells the truth”.
    Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA and could face a similar sanction from UEFA.
    However, the Spanish FA have threatened to leave UEFA if they were to intervene.
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    Leaving the governing body would see the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid removed from this season’s Champions League.
    Deputy Prime Minister and Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz slammed sexism in Spanish footballCredit: WENN
    Spain’s World Cup winners celebrating their victoryCredit: Getty More

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    England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly parties with Wayne Lineker in bikini top on well-earned break after Women’s World Cup

    CHLOE KELLY has been pictured partying with Wayne Lineker on a well-earned break after the Women’s World Cup.The England star posed in a Burberry bikini top for a snap with the nightclub owner at his O Beach club in Ibiza.
    Chloe Kelly posed for a snap with Wayne LinekerCredit: instagram / @waynelineker
    Kelly wore a Burberry bikini top as she posed for a picture in IbizaCredit: Instagram @chloekelly
    Kelly also posed with her boyfriend Scott MooreCredit: Instagram @chloekelly
    Kelly jetted out to the Spanish party island after returning from Australia with the rest of the Lionesses squad.
    The players and manager Sarina Wiegman flew back into England last week following their final loss to Spain.
    Lineker shared a snap of himself and Kelly to Instagram as he hailed for performances in the caption.
    “@chloekelly our World Cup heroine…” he wrote. “Straight from Australia to Ibiza for one day only.”
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    Kelly also commented: “Great day, thank you for having us.”
    Along with her bikini top, the 25-year-old also wore crochet cream trousers and sunglasses as she stood in front of Lineker in the snap.
    The pair both smiled for the camera as they revelled in the sun at Lineker’s club.
    Kelly was also pictured with her boyfriend Scott Moore over the weekend.
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    She shared a series of snaps from their visit to O Beach on Instagram as she enjoyed a well-earned holiday.
    The couple have been dating for four years and regularly share loved-up snaps on social media.
    Kelly played in all seven of England’s games at the Women’s World Cup, scoring once.
    She also netted the winner in the final of last summer’s Euros as the Lionesses triumphed at Wembley Stadium.
    Kelly was a part of the side who lost to Spain in World Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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    Disgraced Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales’ mum locks herself in church on HUNGER STRIKE until Hermoso ‘tells truth’ on kiss

    LUIS RUBIALES’ elderly mum Angeles Bejar has locked herself in a church and gone on hunger strike over the “inhumane witch-hunt” against her football chief son.She has demanded World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso tell the “truth” about the kiss – which she has made clear was not consensual – that led to Rubiales’ provisional suspension by Fifa on Friday.
    Luis Rubalies’ mum, pictured in the green dress, has gone on hunger strikeCredit: EPA
    Rubalies is at the centre of a global stormCredit: Getty
    Rubiales is under fire after kissing Jenni HermosoCredit: Getty
    Hermoso says the kiss was not consensualCredit: Getty
    The retired hairdresser is carrying out her protest at the Divina Pastora Church in the Andalucia coastal resort of Motril east of Malaga where the suspended Spanish FA president grew up.
    She began her hunger strike this morning accompanied by a sister, 48, hours after her son travelled to Motril for a holiday.
    Angeles, whose husband is a former mayor of Motril, says she will continue her radical action until father-of-three son Luis receives “justice” and Hermoso “tells the truth”.
    The Spanish football boss has claimed the kiss after the end of the World Cup final between Spain and England in Sydney just over a week ago was “consensual” but the player insists she never consented to a kiss on the lips.
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    Left-wing Spanish politicians who branded it “sexual violence” when footage of the kiss first emerged are now being supported by mainstream commentators in condemning what happened.
    The England Women’s football team and male players like Andres Iniesta have also criticised Rubiales, who was expected to resign on Friday before insisting he would fight attempts to oust him.
    Luis’ mum has branded her son’s treatment a “inhumane and bloody witch-hunt.”
    She told Spanish press: “They’re doing to my son something he doesn’t deserve.”
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    Repeating the version of events outlined by her son in his public defence of his actions, she added: “There’s no sexual aggression because there was consent by both parties.
    “My son is incapable of harming anyone. As a mother I ask everyone for their understanding as this is a situation that could affect anyone.”
    The pensioner and her sister are understood to have entered the church after the priest left this morning.
    It was not immediately clear if police would be called to try to resolve the situation.
    FAMILY ‘SUFFERING’
    Spanish TV presenter Patricia Pardo called the latest development in the Kissgate saga “surreal”.
    Luis Rubiales’ cousin Vanesa Ruiz Bejar, speaking on behalf of her family, said outside the church: “The statement I’m about to make is extremely difficult.
    “My name is Vanesa Ruiz Bejar and I’m Luis Rubiales’ cousin.
    “There’s a campaign of harassment occurring that is very unfair.“Luis’ mum who is a very religious person has sought refuge in God and started a hunger strike.
    “She doesn’t want to come out of the church. We are all suffering a lot because of what’s happened to Luis which doesn’t seem at all fair to us.
    “He’s been condemned already without being tried. It’s not normal. We want to be left alone. The facts speak for them, there are videos, there are audio recordings.”
    In a direct message to World Cup winner Hermoso, she added: “Jenni, say the truth.’
    “Why has she changed her version three times? We have suffered a lot, we have had to leave our homes because of the harassment we’re suffering.
    “We want to be left alone and see justice done and we want this woman to tell the truth. Jenni, ‘tell the truth!”
    She went on to say Angeles Bejar, Luis’ mum, was in a very distressed state, adding: “She’s an elderly lady whose health is very delicate and she’s suffering a lot.
    “She’s crying all time and is not able to sleep and is not eating.
    “The person that spends five minutes with Luis knows he’s a really good person with a big heart. He’s a very noble person.”
    Asked when Angeles’ hunger strike would continue to, she said referring to Jenni Hermoso: “Until that woman speaks and tells the truth. I’m not saying who’s the baddie and who’s the goodie here, but I just want Jenni to tell the truth.”
    She insisted she had no idea where Luis was and whether he had been able to speak to his mum since she went on hunger strike.
    Although it was initially reported Luis’ mum was with a sister, it was subsequently claimed she was with a sister-in-law.
    Local reports said two priests were inside the church with the women. No-one from the parish could immediately be reached for comment.
    POLICE INVOLVED
    Police later turned up at the church in Motril where Luis Rubiales mum has started a hunger strike.
    Officers arrived as a cousin of Angeles Bejar entered the church with a doctor, just before 2pm local time.
    Uniformed officers from Spain’s National Police force stood outside the door to the Divina Pastora Church, which remained shut while the relative and medic were inside.
    It was not immediately clear why the police had turned up, although there was no immediate suggestion they would seek to remove Luis Rubiales’ mum by force.
    Read More on The Sun
    Internet memes showing footage of a woman ordering a huge breakfast at a cafe before starting her hunger strike have already started appearing online in Spain.
    Another, featuring photos of a blonde with a wafer-thin waist, says: “Rubiales’ mum leaving the church in a month’s time.” More

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    Defiant Hermoso beams from stands at football match as Spanish FA call ‘urgent’ meeting over Rubiales kissgate scandal

    JENNI HERMOSO beamed in the stands at a football match amid her ongoing kissgate row – as the Spanish FA called an ‘urgent’ meeting about the scandal.The sport continued to show its support for the midfielder with Sevilla wearing T-shirts with messages of solidarity.
    Jennifer Herrmoso watched the Atletico Madrid vs AC Milan Women’s Cup finalCredit: Getty
    The Spanish midfielder smiled in the stands in MadridCredit: Getty
    The Spanish FA have called an ‘urgent’ meeting after Luis Rubiales’ Fifa banCredit: Reuters
    Disgraced Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales inexplicably kissed Hermoso on the lips as she came up to receive her Women’s World Cup winner’s medal in Sydney last Sunday.
    The incident led to widespread criticism of Rubiales – which extended into his controversial leadership of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who today launched an internal investigation after its sexual violence protocol was activated.
    Pedro Rocha – who took over as the RFEF’s interim president after Rubiales was suspended by Fifa on Saturday – also called an emergency meeting, which will take place on Monday.
    The meeting is set to “evaluate the situation in which the federation finds itself” and look at the “decisions or actions to be taken”.
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    The head of the Spanish FA initially hit out at the “idiots” who slammed his behaviour as pressure mounted on him to resign.
    And the ongoing backlash exposed the toxicity within Spanish football, including Rubiales’ support of hated manager Jorge Vilda.
    The RFEF have continued to defend their chief, ignoring Hermoso’s own version of events and instead threatening her with legal action.
    Rubiales, meanwhile, was suspended by Fifa for at least 90 days on Saturday as the world governing body try and take control of the row.
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    Hermoso, 33, tried to put the drama behind her by going on holiday with her team-mates in Ibiza this week.
    And on Saturday evening she was all smiles watching Atletico Madrid take on AC Milan in the Women’s Cup pre-season tournament at the Spanish club’s training ground.
    Hermoso, wearing a red top and black trousers, looked relaxed as she waved from her seat and posed for selfies with fans.
    The people she was with revealed ‘#Contigo Jennifer Hermoso’ t-shirts – ‘contigo’ means ‘with you’.
    The two sets of players also stood together before kick-off and unfurled a banner with the same message, while one player held up a Spain shirt with Hermoso’s No10 on the back.
    Across Spain at Sevilla last night, the home players warmed up for their LaLiga clash against high-flying Girona in white tops over their kits.
    The words ‘#SeAcabo’ were printed in red on the front – which translates as ‘it’s over’.
    And Cadiz revealed a banner before their 1-1 draw with Almeria to state: “We are all Jenni.”
    Since the kiss, Hermoso has publicly reiterated she did “not enjoy” it and that the act was not consensual – despite Rubiales’ claims it was.
    She revealed she felt “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part” in a brave Instagram post.
    Rubiales gave a weak apology on Monday but refused to resign in a press conference four days later, insisting he was the victim of a “social assassination” from “false feminism” for a “consensual, spontaneous little peck”.
    The Spanish football federation’s protocol’s protection delegate, Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, confirmed an investigation is underway.
    She said: “Our protocol is currently activated and in the midst of investigating the events, thus we demand the utmost respect for the right to privacy and dignity of all individuals involved,” she said in a letter published by the federation (RFEF).
    “As the protection delegate for sexual violence, my duty is to adhere to the protocol and safeguard the privacy of those affected by this incident and of the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee.”
    Various politicians, players and teams – including the Lionesses squad – have slammed Rubiales’ decision not to step down.
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    And 81 Spanish women players – as well as men’s international Borja Iglesias – have all quit and are refusing to play until the head of the RFEF leaves and there is a change in leadership.
    The full coaching staff of Spain’s women’s side have also resigned with the exception of head coach Vilda, who applauded Rubiales’ announcement at the press conference.
    She was one of the star players for Spain at the Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
    Sevilla players wore t-shirts of support for the footballerCredit: Getty
    Hermoso posed for selfies with supportersCredit: Getty
    The two sets of players held up a banner which read ‘with you Jennifer Hermoso’Credit: Getty
    Atleti’s Lola Gallardo wore a Hermoso 10 Spain shirt after the winCredit: Getty
    The Sevilla t-shirts translated as ‘it’s over’Credit: Getty More

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    Disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales BANNED by Fifa after kissgate row with Jenni Hermoso

    SHAMED football chief Luis Rubiales has been BANNED by Fifa over his kissgate scandal.The Spanish FA president kissed Spain World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips immediately after their final win over England.
    Luis Rubiales has been suspended by FifaCredit: The Mega Agency
    The Spanish FA president kissed Jennifer Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final
    On Thursday, Fifa announced that they had opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales in the wake of the incident.
    And they have since suspended him from all football-related activities for the next 90 days.
    The controversial Rubiales has received widespread criticism this week – both for the kiss and his leadership of the Spanish FA – including from players, LaLiga clubs, the Lionesses, the protesting Spanish public and even politicians.
    As a response, the entirety of the coaching staff of Spain’s women’s team have now resigned except for head coach Jorge Vilda.
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    Hermoso stated that the kiss was not consensual – but the Spanish FA have defended their president and instead waged war with their midfielder by threatening to sue her.
    A number of stars, including men’s striker Borja Iglesias, have quit the national team in protest against the chief, who performed a dramatic U-turn and refused to resign in a press conference on Friday.
    Rubiales was criticised for his behaviour during Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final as Spain beat England 1-0 to be crowned champions for the first time.
    He was filmed grabbing his crotch to celebrate the winning goal and then kissed Hermoso on the lips as she came up to receive her winner’s medal.  
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    The controversial chief also went into the team dressing room after full-time, where he vowed to take the women on holiday to Ibiza and even marry Hermoso.
    But the midfielder said in the immediate aftermath that she “did not enjoy” the unsolicited kiss.
    The Spanish FA put out a statement on Sunday night claiming to be from Hermoso, but she gave her own version of events to confirm that the act from Rubiales was NOT consensual.
    Rubiales initially hit out at the “idiots” criticising his behaviour before a weak apology on Monday.
    And as the backlash continued against his actions in Sydney and also his ongoing leadership of the RFEF, he was expected to quit on Friday.
    However, in the press conference, he defiantly said: “I am not resigning.”
    Rubiales also slammed “false feminism” for his “social assassination” and described the kiss as a “consensual, spontaneous little peck”.
    The decision not to step down was widely condemned by players, clubs and even Spanish politicians.
    And that prompted Spain’s men’s team two-cap striker Iglesias to go on strike from international football until Rubiales resigns in solidarity with his female counterparts.
    A staggering 81 Spanish women players have also said they will refuse to play while England’s Lionesses released a statement labelling the Spanish FA as “sexist and patriarchal”.
    David De Gea, Hector Bellerin and Alex Morgan were among the high-profile footballers who also used social media to voice their anger – as did TNT presenter Laura Woods.
    Hermoso said she was being put under “continuous pressure” by the Spanish FA to publicly support Rubiales.
    A football match called ‘Friends of Luis Rubiales Match’ in the town that he grew up in that he was due to play in has now been suspended by Town Hall officials due to security reasons.
    The decision was made as several feminist organisations announced plans to protest outside the event.
    ‘VULNERABLE VICTIM’
    The 33-year-old also revealed she was made to feel “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part” in a brave Instagram post.
    Hermoso, who plays her club football for Pachuca in Mexico, spoke out after her loyal Spain team-mates confirmed they would not take to the field again until Rubiales left his position.
    Despite winning the World Cup, the atmosphere around La Roja was already toxic due to the deeply unpopular Vilda, who applauded Rubiales at the press conference.
    The Spanish FA hit back at Hermoso by threatening her with legal action and posted photos of their star player allegedly lifting him up, which she denies.
    However, Fifa have now taken the step to temporarily ban Rubiales – and ordered him and the Spanish FA not to make any contact with Hermoso.
    An official statement from world football’s governing body says: “The president of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), using the powers granted by article 51 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (CDF), has agreed today to provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales of all soccer-related activities at a national and international level.
    “This suspension, which will be effective as of today, extends for an initial period of ninety days, and as long as the disciplinary procedure opened by this Disciplinary Commission against Mr Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24, is processed.    
    “Likewise, the president of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the player of the national soccer team Ms Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary procedure that is in process before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 CDF) by which it orders Mr Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms Jennifer Hermoso or to your immediate surroundings.
    “Likewise, the RFEF and its officers or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment.
    “The decision adopted by the president of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA, for due compliance.
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    “The Fifa Disciplinary Committee will not offer any further information on this disciplinary procedure until a final decision has been taken on it.
    “Fifa reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting the integrity of all people and therefore condemns it with the greatest vigour any behaviour to the contrary.”
    Hermoso confirmed she did not consent to the kissCredit: AP
    Fifa is run by Gianni Infantino, leftCredit: Getty
    The Spanish public came out in force to protest againstCredit: EPA
    Spanish women’s manager Jorge Vilda has supported RubialesCredit: Getty More

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    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.
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    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.
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    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

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    Laura Woods slams disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales and calls for his ‘social assassination’

    LAURA WOODS has slammed Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales for refusing to resign amid his ongoing kiss scandal.Rubiales, 46, grabbed and kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso, 33, on the lips following Spain’s 1-0 World Cup final win over England on Sunday.
    Woods has criticised Rubiales for kissing HermosoCredit: Rex
    Rubiales kissed the forward after the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: BBC
    Hermoso has since admitted she did not consent to the kiss, despite Rubiales claiming that she did.
    The RFEF – Royal Spanish Football Federation – president has received widespread criticism as a result, with 81 Spain stars now refusing to play for the women’s team until he is dismissed.
    Rubiales rejected the chance to resign from his position during an emergency press conference on Friday and blamed “false feminism” for his “social assassination”.
    And the Spanish Football Federation are now defending him by threatening legal action against Hermoso and her international teammates.
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    Several players and pundits have since shown their support for the forward, including ITV and TNT Sports presenter Woods.
    The 36-year-old heavily criticised the RFEF in a passionate rant on Friday afternoon.
    In a social media thread, Woods tweeted: “Luis Rubiales letting his mask slip while The World was watching SHOULD be the final warning in a long & exhausted list of warnings that have been ignored.
    “A microscopic look into The Spanish FA’s behaviour towards & treatment of The Women’s National Team & its failure to listen to the 15 that protested against their coach Jorge Vilda is embarrassingly overdue.
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    The presenter has called for an investigation into the Spanish FACredit: Getty
    He refused to resign from his position on Friday after addressing the issueCredit: Reuters
    “On Rubiales, he either didn’t know his behaviour (and previous) was wrong, OR…he did, and did it anyway. For someone in his position, one reason is surely as dangerous as the other.
    “Best case – Rubiales should not hold that much power with so little self awareness.
    “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.”
    World Cup runners-up England have also expressed support for the national team.
    The Lionesses 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.”
    Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias became the first men’s player to take action against the RFEF this week when he announced that he will go on strike from international football until the issue is resolved.
    He tweeted: “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.
    Read More on The Sun
    “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.
    “For a fairer, more humane and decent football.” More

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    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.
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    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.
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    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.”
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    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