Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has condemned the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, over his recent behaviour at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Australia.
Rubiales had forcefully kissed Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso amid post-match jubilation as Spain defeated England 1-0 in the Women’s World Cup final.
The 46-year-old, who had since apologised for his behaviour, refused to resign despite calls for his resignation but spoke of “unjust” campaigns and “fake feminism” during his recent defiant speech.
Iniesta, who won the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Spain’s men’s national team, on Sunday tweeted: “After what has happened this week, I would like to convey my sadness, as a person, as the father of three daughters, as a husband, and as a footballer, in the face of the events that we are experiencing in our football and around the Spanish women’s team.
“I believe that we cannot tolerate performances like the ones we have seen, which have tarnished a milestone as big as winning a World Cup. I cannot imagine the feeling that all the players of the national team must have right now, seeing how they are not talking about the great tournament they had and the fantastic football they taught us all. It’s a shame that a beautiful story that many players have built over so many years has become dirty.
“Instead, we have had to put up with a president who has held on to his position, who has not admitted that his behaviour has been unacceptable and that it is damaging the image of our country and our football around the world.”
Meanwhile, FIFA slammed Rubiales on Friday with a three-month suspension from all football-related activities.
