WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Spanish federation chief refuses to resign over kiss scandal
Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales refused to quit on Friday for kissing World Cup star Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s World Cup victory, fuelling anger among players and government ministers who decried his actions as unacceptable macho behaviour.
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rubiales complained that “false feminists” were “trying to kill me”.
He described the kiss as a “little peck” that was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
“Is a consensual peck going to take me out of here? I won’t resign. I will fight until the end,” Rubiales said, drawing applause from the predominantly male audience.
Criticism of Rubiales’s behaviour has built throughout the week. The incident occurred while the players were being handed their medals after they beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday.
As players filed past, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and planted a kiss on her mouth.
The government confirmed on Friday it will take the incident before a sport tribunal where, if it can be proven the kiss was non-consensual, he could be tried under a sexual violence law introduced by the ruling Socialists last year.
Rubiales’ speech at the RFEF assembly drew immediate condemnation from acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, who described it as “unacceptable”.
“The government must act and take urgent measures: impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales cannot continue in office,” Diaz wrote on social media.
Acting Equality Minister Irene Montero said the state prosecutor and the state-run sport council (CSD) should act to protect Hermoso.
Gender issues have become a prominent topic in Spain in recent years. Tens of thousands of women have taken part in street marches protesting sexual abuse and violence.
The Socialist-led coalition government has presided over a raft of legal reforms, including around equal pay, abortion, sex work and transgender rights.
Rubiales, 46, said in his speech that it was Hermoso who initiated physical contact by lifting him off the ground by his hips. He said he asked Hermoso if he could give her “a little peck” and she said “OK”.
Full footage of the medal awards ceremony was not broadcast on Spanish television.
“This is unacceptable. It´s over. We´re with you, teammate Jenni Hermoso,” her teammate Alexia Putellas said on X.
Some male players also protested. Borja Iglesias of Real Betis, who last played for Spain in 2022, said on X he would not put himself forward for selection for the national team “until things change and these kinds of acts don’t remain unpunished”.
At the event on Sunday, Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch in celebration while standing next to Queen Letizia in a box at the stadium, for which he apologized on Friday.
FIFA opened disciplinary procedures against him on Thursday after Hermoso said in a statement her union was working to defend her interests and that such acts should “never go unpunished”.
The football players union FIFPro said in a statement it had written to UEFA, where Rubiales is vice president, requesting that it also start disciplinary proceedings.
“I am embarrassed by the shame that it continues to be for Spanish football to have a president of the (RFEF) who continues to cling to office,” FIFPro President David Aganzo said.
Three members of the assembly interviewed by Reuters as they left Friday’s meeting said they were caught by surprise as they had expected Rubiales to resign.
The members from Galicia and Andalusia, who declined to give their names, said they felt the issue was overblown, a sentiment they said was shared by most of the members present. Only about half of the membership was present.
Rubiales met with key federation members shortly before the assembly and told them about his plans not to resign, according to a federation source.
The only person who objected was Rafael del Amo, president of the national committee for women’s football, who said he would step down from his roles, which also included the vice presidency of the federation.
-Reuters
Spain striker Esther Gonzalez scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women’s Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday.
On an emotional night that began with a minute’s silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute.
Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky Lopez to score the second goal five minutes later.
The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home.
“I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,” Putellas said. “We were really eager to get started but it’s only the first match.”
There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second goal two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina’s cross came back off the far post.
The world champions were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmati from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martin-Prieto.
“Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,” Putellas said.
Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain’s power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout.
“We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,” said Portugal forward Diana Silva. “We couldn’t get hold of the ball and then it’s harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn’t allow Spain so much space to get in.
“We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.”
Silva and her teammates remained on the pitch after the final whistle, posing in front of their fans with a huge black banner in memory of Jota.
Spain’s victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022, and was the ideal start for what the tournament favourites hope will be their first Women’s Euro title.
With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.
-Reuters
The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 was held on Wednesday in Rabat. It set the tone for a highly anticipated edition of the tournament.
The event will feature competitive groups. There will be a dazzling, historic opening match between the host nation and Brazil.
Hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia will fly the African flag. This will occur during the 3-week tournament taking place between 17 October – 8 November.
As hosts of this eighth edition, Morocco have not been dealt an easy hand. Drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica
The opening match is scheduled to take place in Rabat. It will see Morocco go head-to-head with a Brazilian side renowned for its strength at youth level.
This high-profile fixture will be an important benchmark for Morocco. They can gauge how far they’ve come in their footballing development.
Cameroon to Tackle a Formidable Group B
Group B presents a stern test for Cameroon. They will face North Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
This group showcases a compelling mix of footballing philosophies and playing styles. The Lionesses will need to combine tactical discipline with physical strength to compete effectively.
Cameroon have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in this competition. Their U-17 side will be hoping to break new ground.
Their recent success on the regional stage, particularly within the UNIFFAC zone, offers a solid foundation for optimism.
Nigeria Aim to Maintain Their Legacy
As one of the most successful African nations at youth level, Nigeria arrive with a proud legacy to uphold.
Drawn into Group D, the Super Flamingos will take on France, Canada, and Samoa. It’s a challenging group, but well within reach for a team known for its athletic prowess and technical quality.
The Nigerian class of 2025 is attracting a lot of attention. With the right momentum, they have the potential to reach the quarterfinals or even further. Their encounter with France could very well be the pivotal fixture of the group.
Debut Challenge for Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire will make their tournament debut in Group E, where they’ll face Spain, Colombia, and South Korea. The Ivorians will need to demonstrate character and determination to compete at this level.
Their match against Spain, the runners-up in the previous edition, will be a formidable test. However, it’s not insurmountable. Should the Little Elephants manage to hold off the Spanish onslaught, an upset could be on the cards. Their attacking line known for its speed and unpredictability could be their biggest asset.
Zambia Ready to Make a Statement in Group F
In Group F, Zambia is set to face Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay. Though less experienced than their opponents, the U-17 Copper Princesses arrive with a clear goal: to surpass the performance of previous African teams at this stage of the tournament.
It’s a demanding draw, particularly against a Japanese side famed for its collective organisation and fluidity.
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Finland women’s national team manager has apologised for mistakenly calling up a long-retired 51-year-old for this week’s game against Serbia.
When submitting the lineup, manager Outi Saarinen mistakenly entered former player Stina Ruuskanen instead of 23-year-old Djurgarden defender Nanne Ruuskanen.
The error was not discovered until past deadline.
Ruuskanen, who received her call-up 29 years after playing two senior internationals for Finland, took the mix-up in good humour.
“I’m definitely ready if the call comes! Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feel is good,” she told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.
The younger Ruuskanen, who is no relation, was unable to take part in the Nations League match, a 1-1 draw in Helsinki on Tuesday.
“Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances,” Saarinen said in a statement from the Finnish Football Association.
“I am very sorry for the mistake.”
-Reuters
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