The captains of the Spanish men’s team have expressed solidarity with the national women’s side after what they call “unacceptable behaviour” by the Spain FA head Luis Rubiales.
Álvaro Morata, César Azpilicueta, Rodrigo Hernández and Marco Asensio issued a statement on behalf of the entire team in which they said the World Cup-winning success of the women’s team had been “tarnished”.
Rubiales has faced widespread criticism for kissing player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final on 20 August.
In the statement, the captains say: “Once concentrated in Las Rozas, the National Team players want to highlight several issues regarding the latest events that have damaged the image of Spanish football:
“First of all, we want to convey, once again, our pride and our most sincere congratulations to the Women’s National Team for the title of World Champions in Sydney.
“A historical milestone full of meaning that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football, inspiring many women with a triumph of incalculable value.
“For this reason, we want to regret and express our solidarity with the players who have seen their success tarnished.
“We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behaviour on the part of Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents.
“We place ourselves firmly and clearly on the side of the values that sport represents. Spanish football must be an engine of respect, inspiration, inclusion and diversity and must set an example with its conduct both on and off the field.
“From today, we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish football on our way to qualify for Euro 2024 with two games against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like that, from now on, we could focus on sporting issues given the relevance of the challenges that lie ahead.”
Read more:
‘Eye-opening response’ in Madrid to kiss
Who said what in World Cup kiss row?
Luis Rubiales and his controversial career
The statement from Spain’s men’s team comes days after Rubiales doubled down on his defence of the kiss.
