Spain’s men’s team blasts the president of the soccer federation over a kiss at the women’s World Cup

MADRID (AP) – The captains of Spain’s men’s national team condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” of soccer federation president Luis Rubiales in a demonstration of their support for the world-winning women’s team on Monday.

It was the first public statement against Rubiales by a top Spanish player since him kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips without consent after the World Cup final. He also grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture in Sydney last month.

Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA and faces a penalty action brought against him by the Spanish government for his behavior, which drew heavy criticism and led to widespread calls for his resignation.

“We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behavior by Mr. Rubiales, who has not done justice to the institution he represents,” Álvaro Morata said during a press conference at the national team’s headquarters in Madrid.

“We stand firmly and unequivocally on the side of the values ​​that this sport represents. Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion and diversity, and set an example with its behavior on and off the pitch,” he added.

Morata read the statement with team captains César Azpilicueta, Rodri and Marco Asensio at his side.

The rest of the Spanish players sat in the room while the statement was read out.

The players said Rubiales’ behavior marred the women’s victory.

“It is a historic milestone of significant significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football and bring invaluable triumphs to countless women,” they said. “As such, we would like to express our regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished.”

The players offered their comments as the Spanish national team started preparations for the forthcoming Euro qualifiers against Georgia and Cyprus.

They indicated that they no longer spoke about the situation around Rubiales.

“Given the importance of the challenges ahead, we would like to focus on sporting matters from now on,” they said.

Spanish men’s coach Luis de la Fuente, who applauded Rubiales’ diatribe against what he called “fake feminists” while rejecting his resignation, apologized on Friday for clapping and saying, “I made a human error.” It was inexcusable.”

Later on Monday, a few hundred people protested against Rubiales in Barcelona.