“our players (…) have given the world a lesson”, salutes the Spanish Prime Minister – Liberation

2023-09-02 14:52:35

Outgoing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez claimed on Saturday (September 2) that the Spanish players had taught “a lesson to the world” by going on strike after the forced kiss affair and the refusal to resign by their now suspended boss, Luis Rubiales .

For the outgoing Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, the 23 Spanish football world champions “have won twice”: “once on the pitch, and then by teaching the world a lesson, a lesson in equality between men and women”, he declared on Saturday September 2, during a speech in Malaga.

After the non-consensual kiss inflicted on one of them by the boss of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales – now suspended – and his obstinacy in clinging to his post, all of them decided to no longer wear the national team jersey until the management is replaced. A few minutes after La Roja’s world title, on August 20 in Sydney, Luis Rubiales kissed number 10, Jenni Hermoso, on the mouth by surprise, causing international outrage.

“Spain is a feminist country”, greeted Pedro Sanchez, speaking “of the women who have decided not to submit anymore. Never again. It’s over”, in reference to the slogan chanted in the demonstrations of support for Jenni Hermoso. “It’s over (they say) for men, fiancés, husbands, their bosses, presidents of sports federations. It’s over,” he repeated, referring to an “unstoppable, giant wave.”

“Exemplary reaction”

Then wondering “if this has harmed the external image of Spain”, the head of government considered that “no: I believe that the Spain brand is the exemplary reaction of the players of the selection Spanish football club and the reaction of Spanish society which said, joining them, “it’s over”, with all the consequences that this may have, especially for the leaders”.

A few hours after Luis Rubiales’ sensational speech in which he announced that he would remain in office, judging that he should not resign “because of a little consented kiss”, and denouncing a lawsuit brought by “false feminism”, the 23 players had announced that they refused to be called up for selection until there was a change at the head of the federation. This speech was applauded by almost all of the General Assembly of the Spanish Federation (RFEF), including the coaches of the men’s and women’s teams.

Fifa, which had opened a disciplinary investigation against Luis Rubiales, suspended him the next day for 90 days “from all football-related activity at national and international level” pending the progress of the procedures in progress. A procedure is also underway in Spain, with the Administrative Court for Sport.