Spain chaos as men's team player quits following astonishing Luis Rubiales rant

Spain Luis Rubiales

Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales has refused to quit his post after kiss controversy

BBC
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 25/08/2023

- 13:58

The 46-year-old announced he wouldn't be resigning at a press conference on Friday

Spain are in chaos after FA chief Luis Rubiales refused to quit his post.

The 46-year-old was widely criticised recently for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their Women's World Cup triumph over England.


Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch during the celebrations, too.

Yet while he'd previously been expected to quit, the Spanish FA chief instead decided to come out fighting and attack those criticising his actions.

Borja Iglesias

Borja Iglesias won't be playing for Spain going forward

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Now, Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has revealed he won't be playing at international level following Rubiales' decision.

"I am sad and disappointed," he said on social media. "As a footballer and as a person I don't feel represented by what happened today in the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas (the Spanish FA headquarters).

"I find it sad that they continue to press and focus on a colleague (Rubiales).

"Wearing the Spanish National Team shirt is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my career.

"I don't know if at some point I will be an option again, but I have made the decision not to return to the National Team until things change and this type of act does not go unpunished."

He added: "For a fairer, more humane and decent football."

And former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin, who plays alongside Iglesias for Real Betis, has also condemned Rubiales.

"What is happening is truly shameful," said the defender.

"From representing our country with that level of vulgarity, misrepresenting the victim's statements and, on top of that, having the audacity to blame her, going on to victimise her for having committed an abuse, are facts that no one would do.

"How can this go unpunished?

"Football is a social tool to make advancements and progress, machismo should have no place within this system.

"The narcissist never believes he has made a mistake, he is capable of lying, manipulating the truth and making the victim guilty in order to maintain his power above others."

David De Gea, who left Manchester United earlier this summer, has taken aim at Rubiales as well.

And former Real Madrid star Iker Casillas labelled his compatriot's decision to stay with the FA 'embarrassing'.

At his press conference, Rubiales vowed to 'fight to the end'.

"Do you think this [incident] is so serious that I should go, after the best management in the history of Spanish football?" Rubiales said.

"Let me tell you: I'm not going to resign. I'm not going to resign. I'm not going to resign.

"I've come under a lot of pressure.

"Perhaps somebody will look to remove me on Monday. But we live in a country of laws.

"Is a consensual kiss enough to remove me? I'm going to fight until the end.

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Spain Luis Rubiales

Luis Rubiales is facing a backlash after refusing to quit the Spanish FA

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"I hope the law is followed, and that as there's no reason to [remove me], it won't happen."

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