Barcelona boss Xavi cuts off questions to send message to Hermoso and Spanish FA
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez paused his press conference to express his "unconditional support" for the Spanish women's national team and brand the behaviour of Spanish FA (RFEF) boss Luis Rubiales as "unacceptable".
Spanish football has been ensconced in scandal since the Spanish national team's Women's World Cup triumph, with the latest instalment seeing disgraced Spanish FA chief Rubiales provisionally suspended from football-related activities for 90 days by Fifa after he kissed Jenni Hermoso during the trophy presentation.
The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio, has also ordered Rubiales and the RFEF to refrain from contacting Hermoso, who have tried to silence Hermoso by threatening legal action.
Rubiales faced strident calls to resign after he kissed Hermoso on the lips, an action that the striker later described as non-consensual. He was also seen grabbing his crotch in front of Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter during celebrations after the final whistle in Spain's 1-0 World Cup final victory over England.
The 46-year-old was expected to resign on Friday at an extraordinary general assembly called by the RFEF. Instead, Rubiales sensationally refused to resign and declared that he was the victim of a "social assassination" and "faux feminism". He maintained that the kiss with Hermoso was consensual, adding that it was "the same I would give to one of my daughters".
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Rubiales' extraordinary rant has only increased pressure against the former Spanish player, with 81 Spanish women's footballers releasing a statement boycotting further national team duties, while a number of high profile political and sporting figures joining in support.
And Barcelona legend Xavi is the latest to show his solidarity with the Spanish women's team and the scandal that has marred their achievement.
Halting the start of his media press conference to address the issue, the coach said: "Firstly, unconditional support for Jenni & players in the women's game. Secondly, I condemn the behaviour of the RFEF president, which was totally unacceptable. Thirdly, I regret that people aren't talking about the historic achievement of winning the World Cup."
Luis Rubiales has been at the centre of a storm after kissing Spain's Jennifer Hermoso following the World Cup final (Noe Llamas/SPP/REX/Shutterstock)Xavi is one of just a few male public figures to publicly denounce Rubiales. Real Betis stars and Spain internationals Hector Bellerin and Borja Iglesias both announced they will not be available for selection while Rubiales remains in office, while Gary Lineker has slammed Rubiales as an "awful bloke" and the actions of the RFEF as "shameful".
The Lionesses also said in a statement: "Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.
"The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment. We all stand with you, Jenni Hermoso and all players of the Spanish team."
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