Spain boss Jorge Vilda condemns Luis Rubiales but remains in post amid protests
Under-fire Spain boss Jorge Vilda has finally spoken out on the Luis Rubiales row, condemning the Spanish FA president's behaviour following last Sunday's Women's World Cup final.
Rubiales has been at the centre of controversy this week following his kiss on striker Jenni Hermoso after Spain beat England 1-0 in the final. The shamed 46-year-old, who held a remarkable press conference on Friday emphatically confirming that he won't resign, hugged and kissed Hermoso during the trophy presentation in Sydney, an act which she says wasn't consensual.
Rubiales has been suspended by international governing body FIFA for 90 days but after he refused to resign from his role, head coach Vilda's entire coaching staff have resigned. The World Cup-winning manager - himself the subject of criticism for alleged behaviour during his reign - has now spoken out in an official statement issued on Saturday night.
"I regret deeply that the victory of Spanish women's football has been harmed by the inappropriate behaviour that our until now top leader, Luis Rubiales, has carried out and that he himself has recognised," Vilda began. "There is no doubt that it is unacceptable and does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my life, in sport in general and in football in particular.
"I condemn without doubt any macho attitude, [which should be] far from an advanced and developed society. A clearly undesirable climate has been generated, far from what should have been a great celebration of Spanish sport and women's sport. I reiterate my unwavering commitment to promoting a sport that is a model of equality and respect in our society."
Spain Women's star says "I did not enjoy that" after FA chief kisses her on lips
On Friday, Hermoso - who plays for Mexican side Pachuca - said that she didn't consent to Rubiales' kiss but the Spanish football federation (RFEF) has questioned her version of events. "The evidence is conclusive," it claimed in a statement. "Mr President has not lied."
Jorge Vilda remains in his post just like Luis Rubiales - but the pressure is mounting (Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)The RFEF also provided four images of Hermoso's embrace with Rubiales, with analysis of each, saying they demonstrate that the 33-year-old applied the force to lift the president's feet off the ground.
After 81 female players declared that they won't represent Spain until Rubiales is removed from his post, the federation stated that Spanish footballers have "an obligation" to represent the country if selected. Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias says that he won't play for Spain's male national team again while Rubiales remains in his role.
During a defiant press conference on Friday, he proclaimed: "A social assasination is in place. Did you really think I would resign over a peck? Jenni was the one who lifted me up.
"I told her to 'forget about the penalty' [which she missed in the second half] and I said to her 'a little peck?' and she said 'OK'. It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That's the key. A consensual 'peck' is enough to get me out of here? I will fight until the end."
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