Women’s World Cup 2023

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.
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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.
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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.”
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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

JENNI HERMOSO has demanded Luis Rubiales is punished and “exemplary measures” are taken.The Spain star was kissed on the lips by the Spanish FA president following Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final.
Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: SOCIAL
Hermoso has now demanded that Rubiales is punished for his actionsCredit: Rex
Despite since apologising for his actions, there are calls for Rubiales to resign amid intense criticism of his behaviour.
He was seen holding Hermoso as he kissed her on the lips during the trophy presentation after Spain’s victory over England.
Hermoso has now demanded he is punished and said her union, Futpro, would “defend my interest”.
In the statement released with her union and agency on Wednesday, Hermoso said: “My union Futpro, in coordination with my agency TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter.”
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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.
However, a statement released on her behalf later defended his behaviour.
Hermoso won the silver ball at the tournament as Spain won their first Women’s World Cup.
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She scored three goals and provided two assists during her nation’s run to the trophy. More

ENGLAND fans praised the reaction of Mary Earps’ parents after a journalist awkwardly interviewed them without realising they were the mum and dad of the Lionesses star.Sarina Wiegman’s side suffered World Cup heartbreak on Sunday as they lost 1-0 to Spain in the final in Sydney.
Mary Earps’ parents did not let on that their daughter was the England keeperCredit: Copa90
They eventually told the interviewer when he outright asked themCredit: Copa90
Earps was one of England’s standout players at the World CupCredit: Rex
But England keeper Earps, 30, wrote her name into folklore with a superb late penalty save to keep her side in the game.
She then proceeded to hilariously scream “F*** off” after making the stop.
Prior to the game, Earps’ mum and dad were filmed on a train in their daughter’s kits.
And a journalist approached them with a microphone to ask them where they got the strips from – as they were famously not put on sale by Nike, before Earps sold out her own range of t-shirts.
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But he was unaware he was talking to the parents of the England and Manchester United No1.
This led to a brilliant exchange between the journalist and Earps’ family.
The interviewer opened by asking: “How did you get your hands on goalkeeper kits? It’s meant [to be] the hardest thing to get your hands on?”
Earps’ dad jokingly produced a puzzled look, before replying: “Google.”
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The journalist continued: “Why the goalkeeper kits, the both of you? Just big fans of goalkeepers?”
After Earps’ dad said yes, they were then asked: “Who’s your favourite goalkeeper?”
To which he replied: “Mary Earps.”
The journalist responded: “Not Mackenzie Arnold [Australia’s No1]?”
Before Earps’ dad brilliantly added: “She did well, yeah. Mary Earps is a bit more classy.”
The interviewer then began to twig their relationship with the keeper as he asked: “You’re not related to her, are you?”
Earps’ dad replied: “Yeah.”
They were then asked if they were player worn kits.
And the Lioness star’s mum replied that her jersey was worn in England’s first game.
The journalist then finished by asking: “How proud are you two?”
Before Earps’ dad joked: “We’ll tell you about 10 o’clock tonight.”
Reacting to the clip, one person said: “Love this. Mary Earps parents playing it cool when being interviewed by a journalist who didn’t seem to realise for quite a while…
“Her mum trying to keep a straight face has me giggling. 😄
“The likeness with her mother is uncanny!”
Another added: “When the dad says ‘Google’ with a straight face 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.”
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A third replied: “Love them. Love Mary.”
While a fourth responded: “Love this! What a tournament she had.” More

SPAIN’S controversial manager has been slammed once again after a video emerged of him touching a female staff member’s breast.Olga Carmona scored the winning goal in the Women’s World Cup final against England.
Jorge Vilda appeared to grab a coach’s breast during the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Twitter
The manager was criticised for his behaviour after the winning the goalCredit: Twitter
Her low drive into the bottom corner proved to be the only goal of the game and saw Spain crowned world champions for the first time.
But footage of gaffer Jorge Vilda, 42, celebrating the goal has angered fans.
The national team boss was filmed turning to his backroom staff after the goal.
He initially placed his left hand on a female coach’s shoulder – but then inexplicably moved it and grabbed her breast for a few moments.
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Fans reacted furiously to the clip, which has been viewed more than 10million times on Twitter.
One said: “He should be banned. How can someone do this?”
Another wrote: “Jorge Vilda is one weird dude.”
A third added: “Why would he do that?”
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A fourth user commented: “I feel uncomfortable watching this.”
And a final person raged: “True disgrace! Absolutely disgusting!”
Despite leading them to glory, Vilda is very unpopular with many of the Spanish squad.
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.
Vilda tried to join in the celebrations on the pitch after full-time – but awkwardly and sheepishly danced on his own and was totally ignored by the stars before he retreated out of the huddle.
The coach was also booed by many fans in the stadium as he went to collect his medal on Sunday.
RUBIALES REPULSE
Vilda’s boss and the Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales also caused controversy with his behaviour at the final.
He grabbed his crotch in the VIP seats to celebrate and then kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips.
Midfielder Hermoso, who saw her penalty saved by Mary Earps in the Sydney final, complained “I did not enjoy that” as Rubiales was widely criticised.
However, he initially hit out at “idiots” claiming they misinterpreted the behaviour which he said was a “minor show of affection”.
But on Monday he finally made a grovelling U-turn and apologised.
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Rubiales also entered the Spanish women’s dressing room where he declared he would pay for a trip to Ibiza and vowed to marry Hermoso, 33.
Last year, the RFEF president – who publicly backed Vilda – was also said to have used federation funds to pay for “orgies” with young girls.
Vilda is deeply unpopular with the Spanish squadCredit: AFP
Luis Rubiales and Vilda caused controversy at the final in SydneyCredit: Getty More