Gina Bagnulo
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has released a statement apologising for the actions of ex- RFEF President, Luis Rubiales, following the meeting held between the president and senior club employees today.
Pedro Rocha, the RFEF Interim President, penned a two-page apology letter on behalf of the RFEF, stating that “The RFEF wants to convey to society as a whole and to world football as a whole its deepest regret for what has happened that has tarnished our team, our football, and our society”, he said. “We must apologise sincerely and acquire a firm and absolute commitment that events like these can never happen again.”
Full English translation of RFEF president Pedro Rocha. 1/2 https://t.co/KijtiyLWvB pic.twitter.com/IdFc1AqR9u
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) September 5, 2023
The world witnessed Luis Rubiales kiss Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final closing ceremony, following their victory against England. The action had led to an uproar within the football world, resulting in FIFA suspending and Spanish prosecutors opening a sex abuse investigation against Hermoso.
“The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values of football and sport as a whole have been enormous,” Rocha's letter said.
“Mr Rubiales' actions do not represent the values defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values of Spanish society as a whole. His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice.
“To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused.”
It has also been revealed that the Spanish women’s team’s coach Jorge Vilda has been fired by the RFEF.
BREAKING: The Spanish Football Federation have announced that they have sacked women's team manager, Jorge Vilda. pic.twitter.com/7efayTr9Zu
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This is an ongoing story. More information to follow.
