Despite the resignation of Luis Rubiales and the dismissal of Jorge Vilda, Spain’s World Cup-winning female footballers will maintain their boycott of the women’s national team, as reported by The Associated Press and EFE.
The announcement of the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland is scheduled for Friday, however, the players have collectively sent an email to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), explaining that they are not prepared to return.
EFE disclosed that a total of 41 players have signed this statement, which includes all 23 members of the squad that clinched the World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand just last month.
The joy of their World Cup victory has been overshadowed by the ousted RFEF president Rubiales’ conduct following their 1-0 win over England.
Rubiales is currently facing sexual assault charges for his unsolicited kiss on forward Jenni Hermoso, who alleges that the kiss was non-consensual and left her feeling like the victim of an aggressive act. He also faces coercion charges for allegedly pressuring Hermoso and her relatives to justify and approve the incident, according to the prosecutors’ report.
In addition to these legal proceedings, FIFA and Spain’s top sports court (TAD) have initiated investigations into Rubiales’ behavior after the final match, during which he hugged, kissed other players, and engaged in other inappropriate actions.
Jake Staniland | GSFN
