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      Finally disgraceful Luis Rubiales has resigned but he’s not a ‘good guy’ & it’s not up to him to decide if he assaulted

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      FINALLY, Luis Rubiales has jumped. He says he did it because he was becoming a distraction, when in actual fact he became a disgrace.
      Ulrika Jonsson shares her thoughts on Luis Rubiales resigning after he shockingly planted a kiss on Jenni HermosoCredit: Getty
      Most of us had worked that out nearly three weeks ago.
      It’s not that I’m all for sacking people with immediate effect as soon as there is a hint of wrongful behaviour.
      We all make mistakes.
      But Rubiales’ suggestion that he is innocent and “a good guy” just doesn’t cut it, I’m afraid.
      READ MORE ON THE CONTROVERSY
      Of course, he would say that now, wouldn’t he?
      The kiss he planted on Jenni Hermoso’s lips made me audibly wince at the time and sent a shiver down my spine.
      It’s one thing getting caught up in the euphoria of the moment but quite another to actually forcibly land a smacker right on someone’s mouth.
      It was such an invasion of personal space – the grabbing hold of her – just moments after he’d ­grabbed his crotch while sitting alongside the Queen of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter.
      Most read in Football
      What Rubiales has failed to comprehend throughout this drawn-out tale is that it is not for him to decide whether there was any aggression – sexual or otherwise – associated with his actions.
      That is the job of the person on the receiving end.
      Perpetrators do not have the right to say what is and isn’t acceptable.
      Of course, we know football has a problem with women and needs a culture change to get rid of the sexism and misogyny.
      It needs a root-and-branch overhaul.
      Rubiales going is merely a snip at a bough.
      Wrong, but keep it in perspective
      By Laura Dodsworth
      I SYMPATHISE with Jenni Hermoso.
      When I was 21 my first male boss pinned me to a wall at a work do and tried to stick his tongue in my mouth.
      In the words of Hermoso, I did not enjoy it.
      Rubiales’ behaviour was inappropriate, even if it was a genuine expression of Latin exuberance.
      With the cameras rolling and in the face of his high spirits, Hermoso might have felt she had to go along with a kiss she would not have ordinarily consented to.
      But to get some perspective, it was just a second or two, happening after a hug and before a slap on the back.
      Kissing is more typical in some countries (such as Spain) and it is also a jubilant response to success.
      Do you remember Maradona and team-mate Claudio Caniggia sharing a kiss after a goal?
      Gary Neville even gave Paul Scholes a smacker.
      None of these celebratory kisses caused a scandal.
      While they didn’t share the same power imbalance, they could have caused a backlash of a different sort. But they didn’t.
      Rubiales should have reflected more humbly on the impact of this kiss and given an unequivocal apology.
      Yet he steadfastly refused to resign.
      And instead of being seen as a football heroine, Hermoso has been cast as a victim.
      Read More on The Sun
      One problem with the #MeToo scandals in the US was grouping together too wide a spectrum of sexual misbehaviour.
      This kiss has launched Spain’s #MeToo moment, but it shouldn’t ignite a Spanish Inquisition. More

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      Deluded FA creep Luis Rubiales says he kissed Jenni Hermoso ‘like his daughter’ as he’s confronted by Piers Morgan

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales insists he is “a good guy” in a sensational 90-minute interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.In a revealing sit-down with Piers, deluded Rubiales sensationally compares his kiss with Jenni Hermoso to one he might give his daughters.
      Disgraced FA chief Rubiales will give a revealing interview to Piers Morgan where he discusses the kiss row and insists he is “a good guy”Credit: Talk TV
      The disgraced football president sparked outrage when his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month and he kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consentCredit: Enterprise
      The tense sit down on TalkTV comes after Rubiales sensationally quit last night as FA chief and UEFA vice-presidentCredit: Talk TV
      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.
      The row caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for his resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.

      Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored weekdays on Sky 522, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 or on Fox Nation in the US

      Rubiales will double down on his position as he tells Piers: “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
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      “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.”
      While he admits in hindsight he would have done things differently, he still describes the kiss as “a very happy moment, a celebration, a euphoric moment”.
      Most read in Football
      The FA president will say that he understands he “should have acted in a more solemn, cold and diplomatic way”.
      Piers later confronts the disgraced football star with a statement from England’s Lionesses where they slam his behaviour as “abuse”.
      “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.”
      Rubiales again fights back, insisting that he displayed no aggression when he kissed Hermoso, 33.
      “Under no circumstance was there any aggression and under no circumstance was there any sexual content.
      “I want to say that, Piers, again, I made a mistake, I apologise, but let’s be clear, under no circumstance is this sexual aggression.”
      Piers clarified: “No abuse?”
      To which the shamed former pro will say: “Of course not. Of course not. It’s an effusive, happy moment.”
      As Piers presses Rubiales on the possibility of a criminal investigation, the former FA chief doubles down.
      “I have full faith that the truth will come out and everything will be fine. Take a look at my face, I am a good guy.”
      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.
      A Spanish judge has also since agreed to investigate Rubiales following the formal criminal complaint.
      When discussing his crotch-grab after the historic win, Rubiales will be far more apologetic.
      “For this I am truly ashamed… There are no excuses. In Spain, with guys as well as women, there’s an expression which would probably translate to something like, oh my genitals or something to that respect.
      “So, this vulgar expression, basically what it means is: bravo, well done. I apologise because it’s not the behaviour I should have had.”
      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, admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”.
      The tense sit down on TalkTV comes after Rubiales sensationally quit last night as FA chief and UEFA vice-president following the scandal.
      Despite previously insisting “I AM NOT RESIGNING”, following the kissgate row, the footballer admitted that he couldn’t continue.
      When pressed by Piers on whether he would step down, Rubiales admits: “I am going to – of course I cannot continue my work.”
      Rubiales explains that he came to the difficult decision after speaking with his father and his daughters.
      He says: “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’.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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 was seen grabbing his crotch near Spain’s Queen and Princess Infanta Sofía after the final whistleCredit: Twitter/@PabloEchenique
      Rubiales’ formal resignation letter was published last night
      Hermoso admitted she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression” following the kissCredit: Rex More

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      Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales finally QUITS after kiss row and says he ‘can’t continue’ during Piers Morgan interview

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has finally quit after his kiss row – saying he “can’t continue” in an interview with Piers Morgan.Rubiales revealed is resigning following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final.
      Luis Rubiales has resigned as Spanish FA bossCredit: Talk TV
      Rubiales caused a worldwide storm by kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women’s World Cup Final.Credit: Enterprise
      Rubiales revealed the bombshell news in an interview with Piers MorganCredit: Talk TV
      He formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency tonight after Piers tweeted a clip of his bombshell announcement.
      Asked by Piers whether he would resign in the interview, Rubiales said: “I am going to – of course I cannot continue my work.”
      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.
      Read More Football
      “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.”
      After news of his resignation broke, Rubiales tweeted: “I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence.
      “I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth.
      Most read in Football
      “Thanks everyone.”
      Rubiales spoke about his relationship with his daughters before making the bombshell announcement.
      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.”
      In his defiant resignation letter, Rubiales writes: “It is clear that I will not be able to return to my position.
      “I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this entirely disproportionate campaign.”
      On Wednesday World Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso presented a complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.
      The footballer has laid low after FA president Rubiales, 46, kissed her on the lips at last month’s final — sparking outrage.
      State prosecutors are now expected to ask a Spanish court to place the 46-year-old under criminal investigation in the next few days.
      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.
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      Watch the full interview on Talk TV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored on Tuesday at 8pm.
      Rubiales’ formal resignation letter was published tonight More

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      England’s Lionesses ‘could go on strike’ in bitter pay row after stars ask for £50,000 for reaching World Cup final

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses could go on strike amid a bitter pay row with the FA, according to reports.Players were understood to be seeking around £100,000 each in bonuses had they won the World Cup Down Under.
      England were beaten by Spain in the women’s World Cup finalCredit: Rex
      After losing 1-0 to Spain in the final, they were willing to accept half that amount.
      According to the Mail, players are set for “crunch talks” with FA chiefs next week.
      They claim that players are “aware” of their possible actions and could choose to press on with the “nuclear option” of ceasing all commercial work for the FA.
      It’s even claimed that they could refuse to play until a resolution is reached, although this option has “not yet been directly suggested”.
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      England’s pay from the FA is currently negotiated before or after each tournament – although players want more “clarity” moving forward.
      This cash pot comes from prize money and commercial revenue received by the FA for the players’ performances.
      Prior to the women’s World Cup, the FA imposed commercial restrictions on their own players.
      This was because chiefs were concerned that individual player deals could upset their own.
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      The FA’s decision cost their players potentially huge sums in endorsements.
      At the time, captain Millie Bright wrote in a statement: “Last year we presented the FA with concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures. The hope was that discussions would lead to a solution before the commencement of our World Cup.
      “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved.
      “With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament.
      “We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game. And while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch.
      “We look forward to playing for our country (at) this World Cup, with pride, passion and perseverance.”
      Players did earn cash sums from Fifa for their World Cup performances.
      England stars each received £153,000 from world football’s governing body.
      While victorious Spain players were paid £210k each.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Lionesses are back in action for the first time since their World Cup final heartache in 12 days time.
      Key talks will take place between players and FA chiefs ahead of the Nations League clash with Scotland on September 22.
      The Lionesses went all the way to the final Down UnderCredit: Getty More

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      Spain player Jenni Hermoso files criminal complaint against FA boss Luis Rubiales over World Cup kiss

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      WORLD Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso has presented a complaint of sexual assault against Luis Ruibiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.The footballer has laid low after FA president Luis Rubiales, 46, kissed her on the lips at last month’s final — sparking outrage.
      The kiss went viral after Spain’s victoryCredit: Enterprise
      State prosecutors are now expected to ask a Spanish court to place the 46-year-old under criminal investigation in the next few days.
      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.
      A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid would be tasked with conducting the probe and decide whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Spain’s Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, tweeted shortly after the news broke: “Jenni Hermoso, you are not alone. There are millions of us with you.”
      It comes less than a day after Spanish football manager Vilda was sacked, after his entire coaching team resigned in protest over the kiss scandal.
      Vilda himself was not without controversy and was snubbed by his own players during the post-match celebrations after beating England.
      Vilda guided Spain to their first Women’s World Cup triumph last month, beating England in the final.
      Most read in Football
      He was also mired in controversy going into the tournament with a number of players refusing to play for the national team because of him.
      In a statement, it was explained that the decision was “one of the first renewal measures announced by (stand-in) president Pedro Rocha.”
      The lengthy statement went on to praise Vilda for his achievements in charge of the side, most notably their World Cup success.
      It read: “The RFEF would like to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future.”
      One name has refused to step down – Luis Rubiales – who continues to deny any wrongdoing.
      The disgraced Spanish FA president has refused to resign over the incident, despite facing intense backlash.
      Last week, Rubiales, who may face prosecution, reportedly sent new footage — in which Spain’s Hermoso laughs and jokes about the incident — to football governing body Fifa.
      But one anti-domestic abuse campaigner said Rubiales was deluded if he thought it would exonerate him.
      Teresa Parker, who developed a campaign in football for Women’s Aid, said it was wrong to pressure Hermoso to change her story.
      She added: “If a woman says she didn’t consent, she didn’t consent, it is that straightforward.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Colleagues have joined her in refusing to play for their country until Rubiales is axed. More

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      Spain ‘mistakenly honours Mauro Icardi’s sister for winning Women’s World Cup in farcical error’

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      THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT appears to have honoured Mauro Icardi’s sister for winning the Women’s World Cup in an unbelievably bizarre error. The Official State Gazette of Spain have awarded the Spanish women’s national team the Royal Order of Sports Merit for their success during the World Cup this summer.
      The Spanish women’s national team have been awarded the Royal Order of Sports Merit by the Spanish governmentCredit: Getty
      Ivana Icardi appeared to be honoured on the list as a Spanish player in a bizarre mistakeCredit: Instagram- @ivannaicardi
      Ivana is the brother of footballer Mauro IcardiCredit: Getty
      But it would seem there has been a HUGE mistake when printing the names of those being honoured by the government as spotted by MARCA.
      The first name on the list was printed as Ivana Icardi Rivero, the sister of Galatasaray footballer Mauro Icardi.
      But Ivana is not a footballer whatsoever and in fact isn’t even Spanish!
      She is instead an Argentinian influencer and model who had NOTHING to do with Spain’s heroics in Australia and New Zealand.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The mistake appears to be a shocking typo with the first name on the list actually supposed to be Spain captain Ivana Andres.
      Ivana Andres should have been listed instead of Ivana IcardiCredit: Reuters
      The Honours list showed the glaring mistake
      And it’s not the only mistake made by those in charge of the list of honourees either.
      Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati also had her name misspelt on the published list.
      Her full name is in fact Aitana Bonmati Conca, but it was written instead with an extra “S” as Aitana Bonmati Concas.
      Most read in Football
      Aitana Bonmati had her name misspelt on the listCredit: Reuters
      Aitana has just been named as UEFA Women’s Player of the YearCredit: Getty
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      MARCA report that the mistakes have since been noticed and the Higher Sports Council have admitted that there was human error when producing the honours list.
      The organisation is said to have now apologised for their mistake and sent letters to those individuals who have been affected. More

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      Spanish women’s football team manager Jorge Vilda SACKED in wake of Luis Rubiales kissgate scandal

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      SPAIN have sacked Jorge Vilda as the manager of their women’s team as the fallout to Luis Rubiales’ kiss scandal continues.Vilda guided Spain to their first Women’s World Cup triumph last month, beating England in the final.
      Jorge Vilda has been sacked as manager of the Spanish women’s teamCredit: Rex
      The Spanish FA have dismissed Vilda in the wake of Rubiales’ kiss scandal.
      In a statement, it was explained that the decision was “one of the first renewal measures announced by (stand-in) president Pedro Rocha.”
      The lengthy statement went on to praise Vilda for his achievements in charge of the side, most notably their World Cup success.
      It read: “The RFEF would like to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future.
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      “The RFEF is left with an extraordinary sporting legacy thanks to the implementation of a recognised game model and a methodology that has been an engine of growth for all the women’s categories of the national team.”
      The move is the latest development amid the chaos engulfing the Spanish FA.
      Rubiales has been suspended after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation.
      The disgraced Spanish FA president has refused to resign over the incident, despite facing intense backlash.
      Most read in Football
      A statement from the FA was issued earlier on Tuesday apologising for Rubiales’ antics.
      Vilda, who was also criticised for applauding Rubiales controversial speech last week, had been offered a new deal by the suspended president.
      However, he later released a statement criticising Rubiales, but stopped short of calling for his dismissal.
      The news of Vilda’s sacking comes after his entire coaching team resigned in protest over the kiss scandal.
      Vilda himself was not without controversy and was snubbed by his own players during the post-match celebrations after beating England.
      He was also mired in controversy going into the tournament with a number of players refusing to play for the national team because of him.
      Prior to his exit from the national team, Vilda had been lined up for a move to the Middle East.
      Saudi Arabia are reportedly eyeing him to take charge of their women’s team following his success with Spain.
      Vilda’s exit comes in the wake of Luis Rubiales’ kiss scandalCredit: AP More

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      Spanish FA apologise to England and football world for shamed Rubiales’ ‘inappropriate’ Women’s World Cup final kiss

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      THE NEW head of the Spanish FA has made a public apology to the Lionesses for the disgraceful behaviour of suspended president Luis Rubiales.Rubiales was hit with a Fifa ban after kissing Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips in the aftermath of their 1-0 World Cup final win over Sarina Wiegman’s team.
      The Spanish FA have apologised for Luis Rubiales’ kissCredit: Getty
      An unrepentant Rubiales has refused to quit in the wake of the backlash but was forced out of office when he was provisionally suspended by Fifa for 90 days. 
      His stand-in, Pedro Rocha, who is expected to sack women’s national team coach Jorge Vidal, has now offered the association’s “most sincere apologies” to the Lionesses, the Spain women’s team and the game’s authorities and fans.
      In a statement, which came 24 hours after Spain’s men’s team issued a joint statement condemning Rubiales, Rocha slammed Rubiales’ “totally unacceptable behaviour”.
      He added: “Those actions do not reflect at all the values of the whole Spanish society, its institutions, its representatives, its athletes and the leaders of Spanish sport. 
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      “Spanish society is an example of tolerance and civility, in all social and political spheres and has been an example of behaviour and sporting decorum, as it has demonstrated for decades in all sporting events in which it has participated.
      “That nobility and international prestige of our society and our sport have been tarnished in recent days by the actions of Mr Luis Rubiales.
      “The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and to the values of football and sport as a whole has been enormous.”
      Vidal, who has been at loggerheads with his squad for more than a year, is due to hear his fate soon, with Rocha determined to end his tenure and heal the wounds that have been further exposed by the Rubiales scandal.
      Most read in Football
      Rocha added: “The RFEF (Spanish FA) wants to convey to the whole of society and to the whole of world football its deepest regret for what has happened, which has tarnished our national team, our football and our society. 
      “We feel deeply sorry for the damage caused and therefore, we must ask for the most sincere apologies and acquire a firm and absolute commitment that facts like these can never happen again.
      “Both the governing body of the world of football, FIFA, and the bodies responsible for sport in Spain have immediately adopted the appropriate measures, opening disciplinary proceedings against Mr Rubiales.
      “In the case of FIFA’s decision, that saw the immediate suspension of his functions as president of the RFEF. 
      “We are seeking a definitive resolution as soon as possible to repair the damage caused.
      “Winning the World Cup was one of the proudest moments in the history of the Spanish Federation and one of the most important moments of Spanish sport and of women’s football.
      “The actions of Mr Rubiales both at that moment and in the following hours are not acceptable under any circumstances.”
      Rocha said that the federation had “immediately” deleted all the “inappropriate and meaningless” statements made by Rubiales from its website after his departure.
      He said: “To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. 
      “We are particularly saddened and embarrassed by the additional hurt and distress this has caused. 
      Read More on The Sun
      “His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the only one responsible.
      “We are sorry that this incident has disrupted what should have been an ongoing celebration of football – both for our national team and that of England’s Lionesses, who were a truly remarkable rival in a thrilling final.”
      Rubiales has faced intense backlash for kissing Jenni HermosoCredit: Getty More