Women’s World Cup 2023

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      I’m an international football manager dreaming of reaching the World Cup – but I also work as a dentist

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      HEIMER HALLGRIMSSON is using his wisdom as Jamaica’s head coach – when he is not pulling out wisdom teeth in his other job as a dentist. The Icelandic manager took over as the Reggae Boyz boss in September 2022.
      Heimir Hallgrimsson is the head coach of the Jamaica national football teamCredit: Getty
      He is also a fully qualified dentistCredit: Refer to Caption
      And he dreams of taking his adopted nation to the next World Cup – in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
      But if things do not work out for Hallgrimmsson in the Caribbean, he knows he can return home to his tiny Icelandic island of Heimaey and resume his dentistry full-time.
      The former defender, who first cut his teeth in management at Hottur’s women’s team while playing for the men in 1993, opened his own clinic nearly 30 years ago – even combining his pro career on the pitch by seeing patients in the dentist chair.
      He did put the fillings and treatments on the backburner when he co-managed Iceland at Euro 2016 and then took over singlehandedly for the nation’s first World Cup appearance in 2018.
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      Hallgrimmsson told SunSport ahead of the tournament in Russia: “I still have my clinic and I like to keep my fingers working.
      “So I try to go there as much as I can in my spare time and do some dentistry.
      “Some coaches go and play golf, I do dentistry.
      “The reality of a football coach, you never know when you are out of a job so it’s good to have another profession to jump into.
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      “The clients love it, and I love it too.
      “They talk about football until I’m fed up… and then I give them anaesthesia!”
      Hallgrimmsson even had to step into action while watching a game from the stands in 2016 – even having to repair a tooth.
      He added: “I was watching a local women’s game when one of the players got knocked out and her tooth came out.
      “So I jumped on the pitch and put the tooth back in, took her to a dental office and fixed it.
      “That kind of thing can happen.”
      It may seem like two totally different careers – football management and dentistry.
      But Hallgrimmsson certainly sees some similarities, adding: “Working as a dentist has helped me a lot as you’re always working one-on-one.
      COPA AMERICAN DREAM
      “Some people are really afraid of going to the dentist, so you have to find the right way to talk to each individual client.
      “You might have to relax one, be funny to the next one, be serious to the third, but you have to be quick to adapt. It is the same with footballers.”
      Jamaica have played at just one World Cup previously, winning one and losing two of their group games in France in 1998.
      But under the tutelage of Hallgrimmsson, they could be in with a shot of making it in three years’ time.
      Hallgrimmsson will be hoping to get experience in facing some of the big hitters in international football, including world champions Argentina, at the 2024 Copa America, which has six spots for CONCACAF nations.
      Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey, Bobby Decordova-Reid and incoming Chelsea youngster Dujuan Richards help make up an exciting Jamaica squad.
      He said: “I think we can do good things in the World Cup in 2026. We are just starting our journey.
      “Now we have to try to find players, to select players who we want to have on the bus on this long journey to 2026, and this is like the beginning for us the coaches.
      “I have to be patient and Jamaica has to be patient, but given the quality of the players I think we can be very, very good.
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      “To prepare for the World Cup, it would be huge to be able to play in the Copa America finals with the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and so forth.
      “Our plan, our aim, our mission is to do well in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.”
      Jamaica are aiming to qualify for the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty
      Hallgrimsson led Iceland to their first World Cup in 2018Credit: Reuters More

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      We want to turn iconic World Cup venue and world’s third most expensive football stadium into a block of flats

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      ARCHITECTS are hoping to turn derelict stadiums once used to host World Cup matches into a network of social housing for destitute Brazilians.The Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in capital Brasilia once hosted deafening capacity crowds during the most anticipated competition in the country’s history.
      The Mané Garrincha in Brasilia is now a spine-chilling shadow of its former selfCredit: Alamy
      The ground was packed to the rafters when Argentina and Belgium faced off in the World Cup group stageCredit: AFP
      The arena is a ghost town these daysCredit: Alamy
      But today, the 72,000 seat arena stands eerily quiet, sparsely filled for tattoo conventions and culinary events and rarely, if ever, used for football matches.
      Re-inaugurated and renovated for $900million in preparation for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup, the complex also deputises as a bus depot.
      And it is still draining funds to this day, costing £132,000 per month to maintain.
      However, for the last few years, two architects have rallied to propose the stadium be repurposed to accommodate Brazilians enduring squalid living conditions.
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      The ‘Casa Futebol‘ project has suggested turning the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha and other vacant domestic arenas into affordable housing.
      The project, however, has been met with significant resistance since its inception, a crying shame in a country currently working its way out of a housing deficit.
      “The stadiums are so absurdly big, and the housing issues in Brazil are so real,” architect Sylvain Macaux told NBC News.
      “This is just a concept and an example of what people could do with these stadiums after the World Cup.
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      “It’s not the only answer, but we think it has real potential.”
      In the run up to his polarised presidential victory, Lula da Silva prioritised lifting millions of Brazilians out of poverty before he snatched the keys away from populist Jair Bolsonaro.
      “We have to make inequality a priority and not the spending cap,” he told reporters of independent websites.
      “Brazil has to put the poor back in the budget and tax the rich,” he said, referring to his Workers Party support for taxing corporate profit and dividends.
      Lula, 76, governed Brazil from 2003-2010 and his government’s social programs pulled millions of Brazilians from squalor.
      Elsewhere, the once impressive Pontiac Silverdome stadium was left to sit abandoned for years after playing host to some iconic events.
      The 82,000 seat venue hosted some legendary sporting events over the years, including the 1987 WrestleMania, the Super Bowl XVI and part of the 1994 Fifa World Cup.
      The arena was abuzz with activity during the 2014 World CupCredit: Alamy
      The ground is mostly used for conventions and eventsCredit: Alamy More

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      Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team BOYCOTT Nations League in wake of Luis Rubiales scandal

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      SPAIN confirmed they are boycotting their upcoming Nations League matches.The Women’s World Cup winners were due to play their first matches since lifting the trophy on August 20.
      Spain’s Women’s World Cup winners have boycotted their Nations League fixturesCredit: Getty
      Luis Rubiales eventually resigned as Spanish FA president following the controversial kiss
      La Roja were scheduled to face Sweden away on September 22 and Switzerland at home four days later.
      However, in the wake of the backlash of the scandal surrounding former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, and ex-head coach Jorge Vilda, they confirmed they are still refusing to play.
      Montserrat Tome – who played for Barcelona and Spain – was one of Vilda’s assistant managers and has now taken over as the first female head coach of the Spanish women’s national team.
      But just hours before she was due to name her first squad, the team put out their statement following a three-hour meeting in which the stars decided they were not prepared to step back on to the pitch for their country.
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      Their statement outlines a desire for a complete restructuring of the Spanish FA.
      This includes a new general secretary, cabinet, media department and president.
      Their statement also criticised the “extraordinary” Spanish Football Federation assembly that saw Rubiales – who has just been ordered by a court to stay away from Hermoso – receive an ovation when he initially refused to resign.
      It then concluded: “We want to end this statement by expressing that the players of the Spanish team are professional players, and what fills us most with pride is wearing the shirt of our team and always leading our country to the highest positions.
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      “For this reason, we believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in our football or in our society, that the current structure needs changes and we do it so that the next generations can have a much more equal football and the height of what we all deserve.”
      Tome’s presentation as boss will now be suspended due to the players’ refusal to report for international duty.
      Of the initial 80 who went on strike, 39 remain unavailable – 21 of the 23 World Cup winners plus 18 more – for selection but 41 changed their stance.
      Spain’s striking players believe the departures of Rubiales and Vilda are not enough to have fixed the situation, and that more needs to be done.
      Of their victorious World Cup-winning squad, only Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza have not co-signed the statement.
      Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas said earlier this week: “We are asking for changes so no woman, inside or outside of soccer, should ever have to experience again situations of disparagement, disrespect, or abuse.
      “We need consensus, courage and leadership from the institutions, please. This is why we will not stop here.”
      Diario AS report those who refuse to accept a call-up could face shocking fines up to £25,000 and even have their playing licence suspended under Spanish national sports laws.
      KISSGATE SCANDAL
      The boycott comes despite Rubiales’ eventual resignation in his interview with Piers Morgan this week and Vilda’s sacking.
      The disgraced pair were both accused of misogyny even before Rubiales kissed Spanish midfielder Hermoso following the final win over England in Sydney.
      Vilda, who angered the women’s team throughout his eight years in charge, was largely excluded from the celebrations and was removed from his post as pressure mounted on the Spanish FA.
      Shameless Rubiales tried to fight on – boldly declaring “I’m not quitting” – before he relented and announced his resignation having already been suspended by Fifa.
      He is in a Madrid court today amid the criminal complaint launched by Hermoso for the non-consensual kiss – and a judge will decide if the case goes to a trial.
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      Rubiales – who has refused to apologise to the World Cup star – denies Hermoso’s claim there was no consent and says there was “no sexual content, no aggression” and that it was a “very common kiss between friends”.
      Now the initial court hearing stated Rubiales is not allowed within 200m of Hermoso and is banned from communicating with her by any means.
      Jennifer Hermoso has pressed legal charges against RubialesCredit: Getty
      The team were due to play their first game as world champions next FridayCredit: Alamy
      Jorge Vilda and Rubiales both left their posts after the winCredit: Getty
      Rubiales is in court today and the case could go to trialCredit: AP More

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      Sarina Wiegman concerned by ‘short turnaround’ for Lionesses between Women’s Nations League and World Cup

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits to being concerned by the “tight turnaround” for her players between the World Cup and the Women’s Nations League. The Lionesses boss was speaking on Wednesday after announcing her squad for clashes with Scotland and the Netherlands this month.
      Sarina Wiegman wants to see more talks between coaches and Fifa and Uefa regarding match scheduling for international playersCredit: PA
      Keira Walsh has been left out of England’s squad due to a calf injury sustained ahead of their first two Women’s Nations League gamesCredit: Getty
      Bethany England is also unavailable for Lionesses duty with the striker recovering from a hip operationCredit: Reuters
      Keira Walsh and Bethany England, who featured for the team during the World Cup, will both be absent due to calf and hip injuries.  
      And Wiegman mentioned some players having just six days off in between the end of the tournament and the start of England’s training camp for the Women’s Nations League. 
      They include Arsenal stars Alessia Russio and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
      While Wubben-Moy did not play in the World Cup, Russo appeared in seven games for England at the tournament including their 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on August 20.

      Both are included in Wiegman’s 24-strong Women’s Nations League squad
      The team will play Pedro Losa’s Scotland side on September 22 at the Stadium of Light and the Netherlands in Utrecht on the 26th.
      Of her concerns about the short break for players between the contests, Wiegman said: “I was worried before the World Cup and we knew it was a short turnaround. 
      “We really have to get connected with Fifa and Uefa to make that better. 
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      “Next week they come in and some players have only had six days off which after such a high-pressure competition is not good for them.
      “We have major tournaments in the summer all the time (at the moment).
      “The urgency to solve it and make it better is really high. 
      “We all know the challenges have been addressed for a while now but we also know changes cannot be made overnight. 
      “But the conversations are going on and we just need to keep doing that and hopefully find a better solution to what we have.”
      Midfield ace Walsh will miss the team’s battle with Scotland in their first ever Women’s Nations League game on September 22 due to a “small calf injury”. 
      It follows the Barcelona and Lionesses star sustaining and recovering from a knee injury in July during the World Cup. 
      And Tottenham striker England is currently recuperating after undergoing surgery on September 4 to treat her hip problem.
      Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier has been included in England’s squad for their games against Scotland and the NetherlandsCredit: Getty
      Lucy Staniforth, Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park have all been named in the squad after being included on Wiegman’s World Cup standby list before the contest in Australia and New Zealand. 
      But Beth Mead and Fran Kirby have been left out with the duo needing more game time after returning to club action for Arsenal and Chelsea. 
      Wiegman added: “Beth (Mead) needs to take the next step to get games and get consistency.
      “Fran (Kirby) is really close. She played some friendlies already and did well.
      “Again it is a little too early. I am very looking forward to seeing them play.”
      England’s squad update comes 13 days after Wiegman dedicated her Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year award to World Cup winners Spain.
      The team saw their triumph overshadowed by former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales being slammed for planting an unwanted kiss on the lips of forward Jenni Hermoso. 
      This month during an interview with Piers Morgan he announced he had quit his role following the row.
      The ex-Spain football federation chief, who has been provisionally suspended by Fifa, will appear in a Madrid court on Friday.
      This follows Hermoso, who is her national side’s record goalscorer, filing a legal complaint against him. 
      And Wiegman hopes more attention will be paid to Spain’s World Cup triumph rather than the controversy surrounding Rubiales.
      Wiegman wants more attention paid to Spain’s triumph at the World Cup rather than the row concerning Luis RubialesCredit: Getty
      She added: “We would like to leave that now and celebrate those players.
      “Players need to be listened to and we need to move on. 
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      “The women’s game has improved so much but there’s still a long way to go, not only in Spain but everywhere.
      “We need to try and make the world better for those players.” More

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      Laura Woods opens up on her career highlight, her ‘power woman’ and ‘excruciatingly embarrassing’ live TV moment

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      LAURA WOODS has lifted the lid on the origins of her career in sport and revealed her ‘power woman’.The sports presenter, who recently joined TNT Sports, opened up on her inspirations and gave her take on the current landscape of women’s football in an interview with Karen Millen.

      Laura Woods has enjoyed a glittering broadcasting career so farCredit: Instagram
      Woods lifted the lid on her career inspirationCredit: Getty
      Woods, 36, was first asked where her passion for sports came from.
      In reply, she revealed: “Passion for sport for me started when I was very young.
      “I think it’s just something that my mum threw me and my brothers into all the time to get us to get out of the house.
      “We had so much energy. She [mum] was so busy and she needed to get us to make loads of friends, stay out the house, keep busy and it was just our happy place when we were younger.”

      Woods started off her career in the industry as a runner on Soccer AM.
      And while Woods also did work experience with the Croydon Advertiser, she admitted she fell in love with a “magical thing” with telly when she walked into the Soccer AM studio.
      She has enjoyed a stunning career so far, picking up a number of awards along the way.
      However, Woods admitted the last six to eight months, covering both the men’s and Women’s World Cup have been special for her.
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      Woods holds a particular affinity for the Qatar World Cup final between Argentina and France, a match she describes as the “best game of football I’ve ever seen”.
      She added: “You had Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and I don’t think you could have scripted a better final.
      “So to be there in person and watch it and work on it was just like at the time that was the pinnacle.”
      That’s not to say the Women’s World Cup was any less significant, with Woods insisting despite England’s heartbreak in the final, the rapid growth of the game over the last two years was great to see.
      But Woods also acknowledges the monumental challenges women’s football still has to overcome, as well as women wanting to work in the sports industry.
      Asked what advice she would give to women or girls looking to forge a career in sport, she said: “I always remember one of the first pieces of ‘advice’ I was ever told was from a producer.
      “He had heard I wanted to be a presenter, and back then there was a real ‘Oh you want to be a presenter’ and I was like ‘Yeah, I do’.
      “And he said: ‘One piece of advice for women is you have a much higher height to fall from, so you have to be better’.
      “And It stuck in my head at the time because I was like ‘Why? That’s really unfair’. But it is unfair, it’s not a level playing field yet.
      “The thing I took from that is, okay I will be better, I’ll work harder and do my research. What it actually did for me was it just made me a very good professional.”
      ‘DO YOUR HOMEWORK’
      She continued: “So I would say to anyone, it’s going to be very difficult because it’s very competitive but you have to back that you’re going to do all your homework and have your own ways of doing things and not try to replicate what someone else is doing because it doesn’t work.
      “And also don’t be disheartened if you’re really bad at it to begin with, because everybody is with presenting. It’s so unnatural and your job is to make the unnatural look natural. And that’s hard.
      “It just takes practice and you will fail and it will be excruciatingly embarrassing especially if it’s on camera. But guess what? You’re never going to do that again.”
      Woods has described the gender disparity in football as “exhausting”, referencing comments made by Fifa president Gianni Infantino saying women “have to pick the right battles” to “convince us, men, what we have to do” in the fight for equality.
      She believes there is more to be done to level the playing field due to rising interest being countered by what Woods’ describes as an “unbelievably narrow-minded attitude” at the top of football.
      Funding is one such example, with the Jamaica national team having to crowd-fund their path into the tournament due to a lack of funding from the Jamaican FA.
      INSPIRING GABBY
      That being said, former talkSPORT presenter Woods has drawn inspiration from BBC Sport host Gabby Logan.
      Woods labelled Logan her “power woman” as both a child and an adult.
      On Logan, she said: “I just watch everything she does and I just think she does it with such class and ease.
      “There is something about Gabby that is very rare I think in lots of presenters In that she has this authority.
      “You wouldn’t mess with her, but you also would go down the pub and have a pint with her and feel really comfortable in her presence.”
      The growth of the women’s game has been immense for all to see, with the World Cup semi-final between England and Australia the biggest-ever TV event for the Aussies.
      Woods believes the level of interest being shown means women’s football is going to explode even more over the next ten years.
      She explained: “I started working on Lionesses games with ITV two years ago, and we did a game at St Mary’s and the gate was 8000.
      “We actually had to close off some of the stands and make sure our camera didn’t face those stands as much as possible.
      “Two years later the Lionesses sold out Wembley and it was for the Finalissima. They played and beat Brazil.
      “It was honestly the most wonderful experience and just comparing the two different events, that’s how you can really gauge growth.
      “Watching them at the World Cup and seeing the level of interest and the fact boys and girls are looking at these sportswomen as superstars and they don’t really care what the gender is.
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      “Leah Williamson said something about that. She said: ‘If you don’t want to get behind it fine, but this is going to explode.’
      “Women’s football in a few years time is going to be everywhere and I’m all for it.”
      Woods slammed the ‘narrow-minded attitude’ at the top of footballCredit: Getty
      Woods said Gabby Logan was an inspiration growing up and nowCredit: Getty More

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      FA creep Luis Rubiales refuses to apologise to Jenni Hermoso & says kiss was ‘noble’ in bombshell Piers Morgan interview

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to footie ace Jenni Hermoso in bombshell Piers Morgan interview.The disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when he kissed Hermoso without her consent after his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month.
      Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to Jenni HermosoCredit: Talk TV
      Rubiales caused a worldwide storm by kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women’s World Cup Final
      The row caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for his resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.
      But in a revealing sit-down with Piers, Rubiales defended his actions – saying the kiss was “noble”.
      He said: “You can imagine if you win the lottery or hopefully soon one day the war in the Ukraine finishes, I mean celebrations will go on up and down the globe. 
      “People don’t ask permissions, it’s just a happy, happy time and people celebrate.
      “This has turned out to be a snowball created by spurious arguments and people. 
      “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
      During the interview he was repeatedly pressed by Piers to apologise to Hermoso – but he insists it was a misunderstanding.
      He said: “It was a mutual act, she came towards me, very happy. She lifted me up, she lifted me up in the air… We were both emotional. 
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      “When we hit the ground, I had a quick conversation with her. We congratulated each other. I gave her a quick peck. I asked her, can I give you a quick peck, which is normal in our country. 
      “I think she gave me one or two slaps in my side, she was laughing, and that was it. No intention. 
      “Of course no sexual connotation of anything. Just a moment of happiness, just great joy in that moment.”
      It comes after Rubiales this week revealed he is resigning following the scandal.
      On Wednesday World Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso presented a complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.
      He formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency.
      It’s the first formal complaint from Hermoso, 33, following the non consensual kiss after Spain’s victory.
      She lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – as the public ministry will present an official complaint soon against Rubiales soon.
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      A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid will be tasked with conducting the probe and deciding whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.
      Watch the full interview on Talk TV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored.
      Rubiales revealed the bombshell news in an interview with Piers Morgan
      Piers Morgan pressed him for an apologyCredit: Talk TV More

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      Who is Luis Rubiales’ ex-wife Maria Manuela Delicado Vega?

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      LUIS Rubiales has announced his resignation following the scandal at the Women’s World Cup Final.Following his bombshell announcement, it comes as no surprise that many want to know more about his ex-wife and the children they share.
      Luis Rubiales pictured in the stands during the FIFA World Cup in 2022Credit: Reuters
      Who is Luis Rubiales’ ex-wife Maria Manuela Delicado Vega?
      Maria Manuela Delicado Vega was previously married to former Spanish FA chief and former professional player, Luis Rubiales.
      Maria, who works as a lawyer, split from Rubiales over a decade ago and is known to reside in a small town near Valencia, the Daily Mail reports.
      The pair reportedly remained on good terms following their separation.
      Aside from this information, not much else is known about Rubiales former wife, however, he did address the break up of his marriage in interview with the programme ‘Viajando con Chester’ held earlier this year.
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      Rubiales said: ”I don’t think the marriage was a failure, we were very happy, but when you move on to another phase in your life, well you move on.”
      How many children do Maria and Luis have?
      Luis Rubiales shares three daughters with his ex-wife Maria.
      Maria and Luis are the parents of Lucia, Ana and Elena.
      In a Spanish TV interview with presenter Risto Mejide, Rubiales affectionately referred to his children saying: ”They are very strong, stronger than me.”
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      Describing his eldest daughter Lucia, who is a History of Art student, the former Spanish official added: ”She’s a very sensitive person and has a strong compromise with herself and society.”
      Speaking of his second daughter Ana, Rubiales continued: ”The middle one is the one who is most like me, perhaps the most activist of the three.
      ”She’s also someone with an amazing intelligence.”
      Unlike their eldest children, little is known about the couple’s third daughter Elena.
      The former Spanish official also spoke of his daughters once more in September 2023 – as he formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency.
      Rubiales explained that he made the decision after speaking with his father and his daughters.
      He said: “They know it’s not a question about me.
      “Some friends very close to me said ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and continue your life – if not, you are probably going to damage people you love and the sport you love’.
      “This is more a question of not only me. In this situation now it is more intelligent and the thing I had to do.”
      Rubiales also spoke about his relationship with his daughters before making the bombshell announcement.
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      He said: “I love my daughters so much, and they love me so, so much.
      “I’m very proud of them. They are very close to me.” More

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      Ex-Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales to be hauled in front of judge in criminal probe over World Cup kiss with Jenni Hermoso

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      FORMER Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales has been called to testify in court following a criminal probe for suspected sexual assault and coercion.It comes after the disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month and he kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
      It comes after Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso, 33, without her consent after the Spanish team won the Women’s World Cup
      Hermoso paved the way for Rubiales’ prosecution by admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”, after the kissCredit: Enterprise
      He is set to be questioned today at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid by judge Francisco de Jorge who is conducting the criminal probe.
      It emerged yesterday he had opened his investigation into the 46-year-old after a formal complaint was lodged by prosecutors.
      A spokesman for the court said the judge would be requesting footage of the kiss and other relevant videos as part of his probe.
      It comes after Hermoso, 33, paved the way for Rubiales’ prosecution by admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”, after the kiss.
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      The judge agreed to launch his investigation less than 24 hours after Rubiales sensationally quit as FA chief and UEFA vice-president following the scandal.
      Rubiales previously doubled down on the scandal, promising to “defend his innocence” after announcing his resignation on Sunday night.
      After news of his resignation broke, the disgraced football star tweeted: “I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence.
      “I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth.
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      “Thanks everyone.”
      A statement from Spain’s highest court previously said: “Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault.”
      Prosecutors also reportedly received complaints of “obscene exhibitionism before a minor” when Rubiales appeared to grab his crotch in the stands next to Spain’s Princess Infanta Sofía.
      He apologised to the Spanish royal family previously for the display, saying: “I apologise to the Queen and the Infanta for a very unedifying gesture. I do not justify myself: sorry.”
      But in the same breath, the deluded footballer claimed the kiss was “affectionate” and Hermoso had “consented”.
      Hermoso herself hit back the following day, denying the former FA chief’s claim that the kiss was consensual.
      In a revealing sit-down with Piers Morgan on TalkTV tonight, deluded Rubiales will sensationally compare his kiss with Hermoso to one he might give his daughters.
      He is set to double down on his position in the astonishing interview as he tells Piers: “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
      “There was no harm, no sexual content, no aggression, nothing like that.
      “The significance of the kiss to Jenni would have been exactly the same as a kiss to one of my daughters.
      “Between friends and family, that’s very, very common.”
      The FA president will say that he understands he “should have acted in a more solemn, cold and diplomatic way”.
      Striker Hermoso lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – setting the wheels in motion for the public ministry to present an official complaint against Rubiales.
      She described the kiss as “an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part.”
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      The football star has been lying low since the scandal, which caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for Rubiales’ resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened their criminal investigation.
      Rubiales will be questioned in private on Friday, as is normal in Spain where only trials take place in public. More