Women’s World Cup 2023

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain’s World Cup squad refuse to play until disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales is SACKED for kissing player

      by

      SPAIN’s World Cup squad have demanded disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales be sacked after kissing one of the team’s star player.Jenni Hermoso is one of the 81 footballers refusing to play any further international matches until “the federation leadership is removed” from his post.
      Spain’s women’s national team demand FA chief Luis Rubiales to be sackedCredit: Rex
      The FA boss kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso after their World Cup win
      It comes after Rubiales refused to resign after kissing forward Hermoso following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England.
      Fifa opened a disciplinary proceeding into the matter yesterday.
      Rubiales was also criticised for grabbing his crotch as he celebrated La Roja’s historic victory at the final whistle.
      Despite reporters being briefed that he would be announcing his resignation at a press conference today, Rubiales has made a stunning U-turn.
      However, the aftermath of his press conference has seen Spain striker Borja Iglesias QUIT the men’s national team out of protest.
      Rubiales had been widely expected to resign at an extraordinary general assembly called by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), but instead said “I don’t deserve this manhunt”.
      He added: “It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That’s the key. A consensual ‘peck’ is enough to get me out of here?”
      A statement from Jenni Hermoso has since been released by players’ union Futpro, where she denies any consent to the kiss and labels the FA chief’s words as “categorically false” and part of a “manipulative culture”.
      Most read in Football
      “After achieving one of the most desired successes of my sports career and after a few days of reflection, I want to wholeheartedly thank my teammates, fans, followers, the media and all of you who have made this dream come true,” the Spanish forward said.
      “Your work and unconditional support have been a fundamental part of winning the World Cup.
      “In reference to what happened today. Although it is true that for my part I do not want to interfere with the multiple legal processes in progress, I feel compelled to denounce that the words of Mr Luis Rubiales explaining the unfortunate accident are categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he himself has generated.
      “I clarify that at no time did the conversation to which Mr Luis Rubiales referred to take place and that, far from it, his kiss was consented.
      “In the same way I want to reiterate as I did at the time that this fact had not been to my liking.”
      A statement from the Lionesses expressed their support to Hermoso.
      “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation,” it began.
      “Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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, @jennihermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”
      81 players have confirmed they won’t play any international matches until Rubiales is goneCredit: Reuters
      Rubiales refused to quit his post, saying he doesn’t ‘deserve this manhunt’Credit: Getty More

    • 125 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Luis Rubiales and what happened with Jenni Hermoso?

      by

      LUIS Rubiales is known for his football career as well as being the president of the Spanish football federation.He has been caught up in some controversy with Jenni Hermoso, but who is he and what happened?
      Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Who is Luis Rubiales?
      Luis Rubiales is the president of the Spanish football federation and also quite the football career himself.
      He is a Spanish football official and former professional player who played as a defender.
      Rubiales was born in Las Palmas, Canary Islands on August 23, 1977.
      During his Spanish career he represented multiple teams such as Guadix CF, RCD Mallorca B, UE Lleida, Xerez CD, Levante UD and Alicante CF.
      Read more on sport
      What happened with Jenni Hermoso?
      Rubiales has come under fire after kissing Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after they won the Women’s World Cup.
      He was also criticised for grabbing his crotch as he celebrated La Roja’s historic victory at the final whistle.
      It has been reported that he also went into the dressing room after full-time, vowing to take the women’s team on a holiday to Ibiza and to marry Hermoso.
      What has Luis Rubiales said?
      Fifa opened a disciplinary proceeding into the matter and a press conference was held where Rubiales said he would not resign.
      Most read in Football
      Explaining his crotch grab, he said: “In a moment of euphoria I grabbed that part of my body.”
      On the kiss, he said: “I was very moved when after winning the World Cup you turned around and dedicated it to me. There I made the gesture.
      “I apologise to the Queen and the Infanta for a very unedifying gesture. I do not justify myself: sorry.
      “The kiss was consented. We had very affectionate moments in this concentration.
      “The moment Jenni appeared, she picked me up from the ground and we almost fell. And when she left me on the ground, we hugged. She took me up in her arms and we hugged.
      “I told her ‘forget the [missed] penalty, you’ve been fantastic in this World Cup’ and she told me ‘you’re a crack’ and I told her, a little peck? and she said okay.”
      Is Luis Rubiales married and does he have children?
      The short answer is no.
      As of 2023, Rubiales is not married and does not have any children. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd star David De Gea savages disgraced Spanish FA chief over ‘I will not resign’ speech with brilliant tweet

      by

      GOALKEEPER David De Gea has been applauded for brutally trolling Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.The disgraced football chief is under investigation for kissing Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso after Sunday’s final.
      Rubiales sparked outrage when he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: Rex
      Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea has responded to the situationCredit: AFP
      Fifa opened a disciplinary proceeding into the matter yesterday.
      The Spanish president initially defended his kiss with Hermoso and branded critics as “idiots”, before apologising for the incident.
      And despite reporters being briefed that he would announce his resignation at a press conference today, Rubiales has made a stunning U-turn.
      In an explosive rant, he attempted to justify his behaviour and refused to step down after a week of growing pressure.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Rubiales declared: “Do you think this is so serious that I should go, after the best management in the history of Spanish football?
      “Let me tell you: I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign”.
      And ex-Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea immediately took to social media to respond to the shocking declaration.
      In a now viral tweet De Gea wrote: “My ears are bleeding”.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Ex-Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin also addressed the press conference on his Instagram.
      Bellerin – who has four caps for Spain – wrote in a lengthy statement: “It’s a real shame what’s happening.
      “From presenting our country with such vulgarity, to distort statements of the victim, these are facts of which no one can go unpunished.
      “Football is a social tool to move forward and progress, machism should have no place in this system.
      “The narcissist never believes they have made a mistake, they are able to lie, manipulate the truth and make the victim guilty in order to retain their power over others.”
      Despite Rubiales claiming the incident was entirely consensual, Hermoso later revealed in an Instagram video that she did “not enjoy” the kiss.
      His explanation sparked further outrage from TV commentator Jacqui Oatley, who tweeted: “Wow… Rubiales will never get it”.
      The president of Spain’s Sports Council (CSD) and its Secretary of State for Sport, Victor Francos, confirmed that the CSD would take action against Rubiales, bringing a case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      Read More on The Sun
      Men’s team striker Borja Iglesias has quit international football in protest .
      Hector Bellerin has also responded to Rubiales’ recent justificationCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain striker QUITS team in protest after disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales refuses to resign

      by

      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.
      Borja Iglesias quit the Spanish national team in response to the Luis Rubiales fiascoCredit: Getty
      Rubiales refused to resign as the head of the Spanish FACredit: AFP
      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.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “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.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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.
      Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Rex
      Jorge Vilda, right, threw his support behind his Spanish FA chiefCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Farce as disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales REFUSES to quit in incredible rant after ‘kissgate’

      by

      SPANISH football federation president Luis Rubiales has sensationally declared “I AM NOT RESIGNING” after his kissgate storm.It comes after he kissed Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso following their 1-0 win over England in last Sunday’s final.
      Luis Rubiales refused to resign from the Spanish FA at a press conferenceCredit: Twitter
      He sparked outrage when he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips
      Fifa opened a disciplinary proceeding into the matter yesterday.
      Rubiales was also criticised for grabbing his crotch as he celebrated La Roja’s historic victory at the final whistle.
      Despite reporters being briefed that he would be announcing his resignation at a press conference today, Rubiales has made a stunning U-turn.
      However, the aftermath of his press conference has seen Spain striker Borja Iglesias QUIT the men’s national team out of protest.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Two-time women’s Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas also threw her support behind team-mate Hermoso, tweeting: “This is unacceptable. It’s over. With you partner @Jennihermoso.”
      During the explosive press conference, the 46-year-old went on a stunning rant.
      He blamed “false feminism” as one of the driving factors behind his so-called “social murder”.
      He said: “I want to thank everyone who has shown me their support.
      Most read in Football
      He insisted the kiss with Hermoso was consensualCredit: Reuters
      Rubiales was seen grabbing his crotch after the final whistleCredit: Twitter/@PabloEchenique
      “There are many people who, although silenced, have supported me. I would say more than against it.”
      Explaining his crotch grab, he said: “In a moment of euphoria I grabbed that part of my body.
      “I am going to explain it by looking at Jorge Vilda. We have been through a lot. They have done to you what they now want to do to me.
      “A false speech that they want to transform into truth. We have swallowed a lot. I got so excited to the point that I lost control and put my hands there.”
      On the kiss, he said: “I was very moved when after winning the World Cup you turned around and dedicated it to me. There I made the gesture.
      “I apologise to the Queen and the Infanta for a very unedifying gesture. I do not justify myself: sorry.
      “The kiss was consented. We had very affectionate moments in this concentration.
      “The moment Jenni appeared, she picked me up from the ground and we almost fell. And when she left me on the ground, we hugged. She took me up in her arms and we hugged.
      “I told her ‘forget the [missed] penalty, you’ve been fantastic in this World Cup’ and she told me ‘you’re a crack’ and I told her, a little peck? and she said okay.”
      He added: “My daughters today have to learn a lesson: equality is differentiating between truth and lies.
      “You (her daughters) are true feminism, not the false feminism that is out there. We are not advancing like this.
      Hermoso issued a statement calling for measures to be taken against RubialesCredit: Rex
      “A social murder is being carried out. They are trying to kill me! As a Spaniard, I think we have to reflect on where we are going. Being a world champion is the greatest thing there is.
      “For five years they have been going after me for everything. Dozens of lawsuits, denunciations, requests for disqualification… They are always the same, we know who they are.”
      Team boss Jorge Vilda was seen clapping in the crowd after the declaration, amid his own troubles with the team.
      Despite Rubiales claiming his kiss with Hermoso was entirely consensual, she revealed in an Instagram video after the final that she did “not enjoy” the kiss.
      His explanation sparked further outrage from TV commentator Jacqui Oatley, who tweeted: “Wow… Rubiales will never get it.
      “It’s not just about the forced kiss on the lips of the player and other demeaning gestures, rather the background of his refusal to listen to a large group of top international players who had complained about the culture under the head coach – but were ignored.
      “All focus now should be on whether his successor is someone who’ll respect female players and create a positive culture in which they all feel valued and can thrive.”
      Earlier this week the Spanish FA released a statement, which they claimed to be on behalf of Hermoso, downplaying the incident.
      However, a statement from the 33-year-old called for “exemplary measures” to be taken against Rubiales.
      A joint statement the FUTPRO Union and her agency said: “My union FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and have taken over as my interlocutors on this matter.
      “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.”
      European football writer Colin Millar also reported Hermoso’s family and team-mates had been put under pressure to throw their support behind Rubiales.
      After the final whistle, Rubiales entered the women’s team locker room and delivered a speech.
      There he vowed to take them on holiday to Ibiza as a reward for their performances and he proclaimed he would marry Hermoso on the Balearic Island. 
      Rubiales has faced widespread criticism for his actions, including from the country’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez.
      David de Gea was among those to level criticism at the speechCredit: Getty
      Many La Liga clubs have also hit out at Rubiales, including Getafe, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Osasuna, all of whom have demanded his resignation.
      Former Manchester United and Spain international David de Gea also appeared to hit back at the statement, tweeting: “My ears are bleeding 🎪🎭.”
      Compatriot and ex-Arsenal star Hector Bellerin echoed this criticism, writing on Instagram: “The narcissist never believes they have made a mistake, they are able to lie, manipulate the truth and make the victim guilty in order to retain their power over others.”
      Iker Casillas, who captained Spain’s men team to their World Cup 2010 triumph, tweeted: “We should spend these 5 days talking about our girls! Of the joy they gave us all!
      “To boast of a title that we did not have in women’s football but…”
      La Liga president Javier Tebas shared a long statement to his Twitter page condemning Rubiales.
      His statement accused Rubiales of a number of heinous acts during his time in charge of the RFEF, including blackmail, threats and espionage.
      He added: “Rubiales is interested in lying and presenting me as a conspirator to hide himself in a false equidistance and get out of the way of his scandals and excesses. Nothing is further from reality.
      “Although the crude victimization trick has worked too many times, this time to continue trying it is simply ridiculous, it is impossible to attribute his misogynistic and despicable behaviour to any absurd conspiracy when the reputational damage for all of Spanish football is already inevitable.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, former Spain boss Luis Enrique refused to add to the criticism of Rubiales.
      He said: “Rubiales has done a fantastic job at the Spanish FA. He has admitted that he has made mistakes, so my opinion on the matter is not necessary.” More