Rodri and Spain men's squad condemn ‘unacceptable' behaviour of Luis Rubiales
Rodri and the other four members of Spain 's leadership group have issued a statement condemning shamed Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.
Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by world governing body FIFA after he kissed Spanish women's star Jenni Hermoso on the lips as they celebrated winning the Women's World Cup a fortnight ago. Hermoso quickly stated that she had not consented to the kiss.
Despite that Rubiales has consistently defended his actions, even in the face of mounting criticism. Spain's national sports tribunal (TAD) has also opened a misconduct case against him, with many calling on him to resign from his post.
Now, the Spanish men's squad have thrown their weight behind the criticism of Rubiales. Rodri, alongside fellow captains Álvaro Morata, César Azpilicueta and Marco Asensio, issued a statement on Monday condemning the shamed president.
It read: "First of all, we want to convey, once again, our pride and our most sincere congratulations to the Women's National Team for the title of World Champions in Sydney. A historical milestone full of meaning that will mark a before and after in Spanish women's football, inspiring many women with a triumph of incalculable value.
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"For this reason, we want to regret and express our solidarity with the players who have seen their success tarnished. We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents.
Rodri (left) and the other members of Spain's leadership group issued a statement condemning Luis Rubiales on Monday"We place ourselves firmly and clearly on the side of the values that sport represents. Spanish football must be an engine of respect, inspiration, equality and diversity, and must set an example with its conduct both on and off the field.
"From today, we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish football on our way to qualify for Euro2024 with two games against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like from now on to be able to focus on sporting issues given the relevance of the challenges that lie ahead."
While the men's national side will continue to play, more than 80 female stars have refused to don the Spain kit until Rubiales resigns. Rubiales released his own statement on Friday, in which he reiterated his defence.
"On August 20, I made some obvious mistakes, which I regret sincerely, from the heart. It is true that for such errors I have asked for forgiveness because it was fair; and now I do it again with humility," Rubiales said.
"I do it convinced and with the purpose of improving. I have learned that no matter how great the joy is and deep the emotion, including a World Cup win, sports leaders should be required to exhibit exemplary behavior, and mine was not.
"Therefore, I reiterate, once again, my apologies for this to the footballers, the federation and other football entities in a clear, emphatic and unmitigated manner. Also to football fans and to all those who may have been offended by my actions.
"I also gave the corresponding explanations, telling the truth of what happened. It’s my only version, the one that I’ve maintained from the beginning and I continue to defend and I am not going to modify."
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