DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Jennifer Hermoso says that she has received threats after Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Patrick Sung | Wayne Sterling | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Spanish Women’s World Cup star Jennifer Hermoso revealed on Monday that she has “received threats” in the aftermath of the unwanted kiss she received from former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales. I’ve received threats and that’s something which you will never get used to.”Rubiales gave an unwanted kiss to Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph in August. Alexia Putellas, Hermoso and Irene Paredes celebrate winning the Women's World Cup. Catherine Ivill/Getty ImagesIn her GQ interview, Hermoso didn’t go into detail as to what those threats had been, but added that: “These weeks have been very hard. She returned to the Spanish women’s team late last month and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Italy.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, ” Hermoso, “ I’ve, I’ve, ” Rubiales, Spain’s, Rubiales, Alexia Putellas, Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Catherine Ivill, Hermoso didn’t, I’m, she’s, that’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Spanish Football Federation, GQ Spain, FIFA, La, Spanish women’s, Italy, Olympic Games, Spain’s National Locations: “, Mexico, Spain

☆ Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmatí win men’s and women’s awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or on Monday, while Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the annual soccer awards celebrating the best players in the men’s and women’s game. This [award] is also for you, I share it with you and with all of Argentina.”Barça and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati receives the Woman Ballon d'Or award during the 2023 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony on October 30. “I’m very proud to receive the Ballon d’Or tonight. In both places, I have the best teammates next to me that make me better every day.”Aitana Bonmatí has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin for the first time. Barcelona Femení won Women’s Club of the Year for its standout year, which included three titles – Liga F, the Spanish Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League – and having a roster which included six Ballon d’Or Féminin nominees, including the winner, Bonmatí.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Ballon d’Or, Aitana Bonmatí, Féminin, Messi, Ballon, Erling Haaland, Germain, Kylian, “, I’ve, ”, David Beckham, Aitana, ” Messi, Odd Andersen, Diego Maradona, Diego, Maradona, ” Barça, Aitana Bonmati, Franck Fife, ” Bonmatí, Novak Djokovic, haven’t, ” Aitana Bonmatí, Javier Borrego, Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, Bonmatí’s, Salma Paralluelo, Jude Bellingham, Gerd Müller, Stefan Wermuth, Pep Guardiola’s, Barcelona Femení, d’Or Féminin, Bonmatí, Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi, Argentina Ballon, Spain Gerd Müller, Striker, Emiliano Martínez, Socrates, Vinícius Jr Organizations: CNN, Argentina’s, Inter Miami star’s, Manchester City, Paris Saint, Inter Miami, Argentina –, Copa América, Getty, Argentina national, …, Copa, France Football, Barcelona, Liga, League, Wolfsburg, world’s, FC Barcelona, Europa Press, Chelsea, Roja, Bellingham, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, German, FA, Men’s Club, pipping Inter Milan, Women’s Club, Spanish, Women’s, League –, Norway Yashin, Aston Villa, Argentina Kopa, Real, Brazil Men’s Club, Year Manchester City Women’s Club Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Paris, Argentina, Qatar, Argentine, AFP, Australia, New Zealand, Barça, Spanish, Bellingham, Los, Madrid, El Clásico, Manchester, Istanbul, Bonmatí, Manchester City, Norway, Real Madrid, Brazil

☆ Jenni Hermoso scores the winner on triumphant Spain return after unwanted kiss
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( David Close | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Spain’s Jenni Hermoso scored a late winning goal on Friday in a glorious return to the national team following the unwanted kiss controversy that overshadowed La Roja’s World Cup win in August. Television broadcasts showed traveling Spanish fans jumping for joy as Hermoso was surrounded by her celebrating teammates. “When Italy sat deep, we needed someone like Jenni to step up with her shooting boots,” Spain’s head coach Montse Tomé said after the game. The fallout over Rubiales’ behavior triggered a crisis in Spanish soccer and sparked condemnation in Spain and across the world. Rubiales’ actions partly “ruined” the tournament and “derailed” Spain’s joyous celebrations, a senior official at soccer’s governing body FIFA said.

Persons: CNN — Spain’s Jenni Hermoso, “, Jenni, ”, Montse Tomé, We’ve, ” Hermoso, Tomé, Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, General Fatma Samoura, Darren Lewis Organizations: CNN, La, UEFA Women’s Nations League, Italy, Salerno . Television, Pachuca Femenil, Spain, Sweden, Spanish Football Federation, England, Spanish, FIFA Locations: Salerno, Italy, Switzerland, Sydney, Spanish, Spain, Africa, London

CNN —Former Spain women’s soccer coach Jorge Vilda, Spanish national team director Albert Luque, and Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) marketing director Rubén Rivera have been summoned to testify as suspects as part of the case against RFEF’s former president Luis Rubiales, Spain’s National Court announced on Wednesday. “The judge of the National Court Francisco de Jorge has summoned former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda and men’s national team director, Albert Luque, and RFEF marketing director, Rubén Rivera, to testify as suspects in the case … on October 10,” the court said in a statement. Patricia Pérez, press manager of the women’s team and Miguel Garcia Caba, RFEF’s former director of integrity are set to testify on Thursday, according to the court. The naming of Vilda and the others as suspects comes as the Spain’s women’s national team looks to move on from the incident which marred its World Cup celebrations. However, despite being called up to the national team, many players had refused to participate until sweeping, structural changes were made by RFEF.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Albert Luque, Rubén Rivera, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Luque, Rivera, Francisco de Jorge, “, ”, Patricia Pérez, Miguel Garcia Caba, Caba, RFEF, Linnea Rheborg, Rubiales, de Jorge Organizations: CNN, Spain women’s, Spanish, Royal Spanish Football Federation, National, men’s, ” CNN, Women’s Nations League Locations: Rubiales, Spain, Sweden, Vilda, Switzerland

☆ Spain wins first game since World Cup glory as opponent Sweden joins protest before match
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Kevin Dotson | Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The victory comes after a tumultuous month following former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso during the title celebrations. Amid the ongoing fallout, La Roja found a way past Sweden in the UEFA Nations League game, clinching victory at almost the last possible moment as Mariona Caldentey scored from the penalty spot deep into injury time. Earlier this week, 20 players named to the national team reiterated their refusal to play the game against Sweden. England and Scotland players wore similar wristbands during their own UEFA Nations League game on Friday, once again displaying the solidarity among female soccer players that has been evident throughout the month-long scandal. Spain's players celebrate after winning their UEFA Nations League match against Sweden.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Roja, Mariona Caldentey, ’, “, ” Athenea del Castillo, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonathan Nackstrand, Del, Zećira Mušović, Eva Navarro, La Roja, Lina Hurtig, Amanda Ilestedt, Caldentey Organizations: CNN — Spain, Royal Spanish Football Federation, UEFA Nations League, Sweden, Scotland, Reuters, Getty Locations: Sweden, England, Spain, AFP, Spanish

☆ Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes speak out on ‘systemic discrimination’ in Spanish soccer ahead of first match since Women’s World Cup win
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Ahead of the Spanish national soccer team’s first match since winning the Women’s World Cup last month and the fallout from ex-soccer boss Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on La Roja player Jennifer Hermoso, star players Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes spoke out on “systemic discrimination” within the country’s federation. Earlier this week, a dispute between the Spanish women’s soccer team and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) appeared to have reached a breakthrough after the two parties, along with the government’s High Council of Sport (CSD), came to a series of agreements. Having previously refused to represent the national team, 21 of the 23 players selected in the squad for the upcoming matches agreed to play and traveled to Sweden. Paredes celebrates with her Women's World Cup winners' medal after Spain's victory against England. Rubiales himself testified on September 15 and, according to Spanish prosecutors, denied all charges.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, La, Jennifer Hermoso, Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, d’Or, Putellas, “, ”, Paredes, Marc Atkins, Jorge Vilda, Montse Tomé, Tomé, ” Tomé, hasn’t, ” RFEF, General Andreu Camps, Rubiales, Mapi León, Patricia Guijarro, Francisco de Jorge Organizations: CNN, Spanish, soccer team’s, Reuters, soccer, Royal Spanish Football Federation, government’s, of Sport, England, UEFA Women’s Nations League, RFEF, men’s, Spanish National Football Team, Barcelona Locations: Sweden, Barcelona, Spain, Gothenburg

“The federation has worked to be able to talk to the players,” she said. “The Royal Spanish Football Federation has no right to deprive Spain of the women’s national team, even more so after having won the World Cup. Alexia Putellas controls the ball against Japan during the Women's World Cup. Of the 15 players who signed the letters, only three were in Spain’s World Cup squad: Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmatí and Ona Batlle. However, now that Vilda and Rubiales have left their positions, RFEF hopes to kick-start a new chapter in women’s soccer.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Montse Tomé’s, Jorge Vilda, RFEF, Athenea del Castillo, Misa Rodríguez, Olga Carmona, Teresa Abelleira –, Friday’s, Rodríguez, Tomé, ”, “ I’ve, We’ve, Montse Tomé, Rodrigo Jimenez, Hermoso –, –, Hermoso, Víctor Francos, Francos, “, Miquel Iceta, ” Iceta, Alexia Putellas, Marty Melville, Iker Casillas, ” AFE, Mariona, Aitana, Ona Batlle, Rubiales, Thomas Coex, Carla Vall Organizations: CNN, Spanish women’s, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Sweden, Athenea, UEFA Women’s Nations League, Cadena SER, Spanish, of Sport, country’s, Sport, Spain’s Law of Sport, ’, High, women’s, Japan, Getty, Women’s Nations, England, Federation, National Court Locations: Switzerland, Spain, Madrid, AFP, RFEF, Sweden, Spanish, Australia, New Zealand, women’s soccer

“We wish to end this statement expressing that the players of the Spanish women’s national team are professional players, and what most fills us with pride is putting on the shirt of the national team and always taking our country to the highest places. World players’ union FIFPRO posted on X in support of the players’ decision saying, “FIFPRO fully supports the Spain Women’s National Team in their united call for change. The identical letters said that “the situation” within the Spanish national team – about which RFEF was “aware” – had been affecting the players’ “emotional state” and health. Of the 15 players who signed the letters, only three were in Spain’s World Cup squad: Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmatí and Ona Batlle. Despite their youth and relative inexperience, the Spanish players produced an impressive performance Down Under.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, RFEF, d’Or Féminin, Alexia Putellas, “, FIFPRO, Pau Gasol, –, Hermoso, Pedro Rocha, Jorge Vilda, Montse Tomé, Rocha, Víctor, Tomé, Thomas Coex, ” –, Mariona, Aitana, Ona Batlle, Amanda Perobelli, Spain’s Organizations: CNN, Women’s Nations League, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish women’s, “, Spain Women’s National Team, High Council of Sport, Sweden, Getty, Spanish, Reuters, Vilda Locations: Spanish, Spain, “, RFEF, Switzerland, Madrid, AFP, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Sweden, women’s

CNN —Players competing in the top-tier of women’s football in Spain – Liga F – have called their strike off after reaching a minimum pay agreement, players’ union FUTPRO announced on Thursday. We cannot compare men’s football dimension with women’s football dimension,” Malabia told CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. Spain won the Women's World Cup earlier this year. I believe the value of women’s football is so high,” he added. The 2023/24 Liga F season gets underway on Friday with Valencia hosting Real Madrid.

Persons: FUTPRO, ” FUTPRO, ”, Pedro Malabia Sanchis, ” Malabia, Amanda Davies, Catherine Ivill, Keka Vega, Malabia, Luis Rubiales, La Roja, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales Organizations: CNN — Players, Spain – Liga, –, Liga F, CNN, La Liga, Spanish Footballers ’ Association, Reuters, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Liga, Valencia, Real Madrid Locations: Spain, Jennifer Hermoso .

CNN —Spain’s National Court has admitted the complaint made against former soccer chief Luis Rubiales for “the crimes of sexual assault and coercion” by Spanish prosecutors, according to a court press release issued on Monday. The admittance of the prosecutor’s complaint – part of the Spanish legal process – allows the court to begin gathering evidence, which could lead to possible charges against Rubiales, who resigned from his position as president of country’s soccer federation (RFEF) on Sunday. Jenni Hermoso filed an official complaint with Spanish prosecutors last week, which has now been accepted by the National Court. The unwanted kiss on Hermoso sparked condemnation in Spain and led to widespread calls for Rubiales to resign from his role as RFEF president. Jorge Vilda was fired as head coach of the Spanish women's team in a series of "regeneration" changes being made by RFEF.

Persons: CNN —, Luis Rubiales, “, ”, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, El, Jenni Hermoso, ” Rubiales, Hermoso, –, Jorge Vilda, RFEF, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Pedro Rocha, Montse Tomé, Rocha, Víctor, Verónica Boquete, Vilda, ” Boquete Organizations: CNN, Diario AS, Vanguardia, Spanish, Hermoso, National Court, FIFA, Getty, High Council of Sport, Nations League, Sweden, Cadena COPE Locations: Spanish, ”, Spain, RFEF

☆ Luis Rubiales: Spanish prosecutor files 'sexual assault and coercion' complaint against soccer boss over unwanted kiss on Spain star
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Pau Mosquera | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The Spanish national prosecutor has filed a complaint against the suspended president of Spain’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, “for the crimes of sexual assault and coercion against Jennifer Hermoso,” according to a press release. On Tuesday, La Roja star Hermoso filed an official complaint with prosecutors against Rubiales over an unwanted kiss after the Women’s World Cup final, leading to this new development. The official complaint from the prosecutor’s office is the next step in the process for the Spanish justice system to proceed with a case against Rubiales, who has refused to quit as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). “The complaint is filed after, on September 5, the player appeared before the prosecutor, accompanied by her lawyer, and expressly made a complaint of the events that, according to her statement, occurred without her consent,” the press release by the prosecutor’s office added. More to follow.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Hermoso, Rubiales Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Rubiales, Royal Spanish Football Federation Locations: Spanish

CNN —Players competing in the top-tier of women’s football in Spain will go on strike for the opening two weeks of the new season after a pay dispute, players’ union FUTPRO announced on Thursday. The dispute between the five unions representing the players – including many of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad – and Liga F primarily came about because of a disagreement in the minimum salary for players and the wage gap which exists. The new Liga F season was scheduled to kick off this weekend, with the first game meant to be held on Friday night with Sevilla hosting UD Granadilla Tenerife. FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, suspended Rubiales for 90 days while disciplinary proceedings are underway. He was replaced by Montse Tomé, the first woman in Spanish national team history to hold the position.

Persons: FUTPRO, ”, ” FUTPRO, “, Luis Rubiales, La Roja, Jennifer Hermoso, Hermoso, Rubiales, TAD, Jorge Vilda, Montse Tomé Organizations: CNN — Players, –, Liga F, Liga, CPI, ” Liga, ”, Sevilla, UD Granadilla Tenerife, Rubiales, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish, FIFA, women’s Locations: Spain, Rubiales, Spanish

MADRID (AP) — The Spanish soccer federation fired women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda on Tuesday, less than three weeks after his team won the Women’s World Cup title and amid the controversy involving suspended federation president Luis Rubiales. Fifteen players stepped away from the national team for their mental health, demanding a more professional environment. The players who left the team had signed a letter complaining about Vilda and the conditions for the national team. The women's team made it to only its third World Cup appearance in Australia and New Zealand. The president currently in charge of the Spanish soccer federation, Pedro Rocha, released a letter on Tuesday apologizing to the soccer world and to society in general for Rubiales’ behavior.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Vilda, Luis de la Fuente, ”, Spain’s, Rubiales ’, ” Vilda, Spain hadn’t, Roja, hadn't, Pedro Rocha, Rocha, — “, ” Rocha, ___ Organizations: MADRID, FIFA, eventual, women’s, — Locations: Spanish, Sydney, Madrid, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, United States

☆ Andrés Iniesta: Soccer legend on Lionel Messi and his own new adventure in the UAE
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Ben Church | Becky Anderson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —In his prime, Andrés Iniesta was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in history. After leaving Spain, Iniesta signed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe and enjoyed reasonable success in following five years. Mohamed Farag/Getty ImagesAmid interest from around the world, including Major League Soccer (MLS), Iniesta eventually signed a one-year deal with UAE side Emirates Club. There were reports earlier this year that Iniesta may team up with Lionel Messi in the MLS, although it didn't materialize. “Football is a global sport, it’s a world sport where everybody would like to have different football players,” he said.

Persons: CNN —, Iniesta, – La Roja, Mohamed Farag, ” Iniesta, CNN’s Becky Anderson, “, I’m, he’s, Lionel Messi, Mike Hewitt, – Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Germain, Messi, ”, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema Organizations: CNN, Spain, Vissel Kobe, Barcelona, Major League Soccer, UAE, Emirates, Ajman Club, “, Emirates Club, Inter Miami, MLS, Messi, Argentine, Paris Saint, Europe’s Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Japan, UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, North America, Barça, Catalonia, Catalan, ., Saudi Arabian, Europe

☆ Luis Rubiales: Spain's government presses for suspension of soccer chief Luis Rubiales after unwanted kiss. What's next?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( George Ramsay Benjamin Brown Patrick Sung | George Ramsay | Benjamin Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —The Spanish government has taken further steps toward suspending beleaguered soccer chief Luis Rubiales after submitting all necessary documentation to the country’s Court of Arbitration of Sport (TAD). The development comes as pressure continues to mount on Rubiales ever since he gave an unwanted kiss to soccer star Jennifer Hermoso after Spain won the World Cup final on August 20. A government statement released on Tuesday said that Rubiales displayed “unacceptable behavior” at the Women’s World Cup final and called his actions “very serious” violations of the country’s Law of Sport. On Monday, all 19 regional presidents called for Rubiales to resign while also offering unanimous support for Rocha, who stepped into the role following Rubiales’ suspension by FIFA. Along with mounting public pressure to resign, Rubiales also faces an investigation that could end in sexual aggression charges from Spanish prosecutors.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, TAD, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, “, ”, Hermoso, Miquel Iceta, Iceta, Pedro Rocha, Rocha, Víctor Francos, ” Francos, ” Paloma Torres, ” Inés, Isabel Fuentes, Fuentes, Ángeles, Rubiales ’ Organizations: CNN, Spain, FIFA, Spanish, of Sport, country’s, England, ’, Rubiales, ” Locations: country’s, Madrid, Spain, Sydney, ”, Spanish, Rubiales, Motril

☆ Spanish prosecutors investigating soccer president who kissed World Cup player
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( David K. Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales announces he will be staying as president during the meeting, August 25, 2023..Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation of the nation's soccer federation chief, officials said Monday, in connection to his kiss on the lips of a player shortly after winning the World Cup. The national prosecutors also invited the player, Spain's team captain Jennifer Hermoso, to reach out to them in the next 15 days to report herself as a possible victim of sexual aggression by federation president Luis Rubiales, officials said. Béjar took refuge in the church of the Divina Pastora de Motril on the southern Spanish coast and defended her son. The sport's international governing body, FIFA, on Saturday suspended Rubiales from all soccer activities for 90 days. The kiss has marred what had been joyous national celebration of La Roja's first time lifting the Women's World Cup trophy.

Persons: Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Hermoso, Ángeles, Béjar, Motril, EFE, He's, Vanessa Ruiz Béjar, soccer's, — Rima Abdelkader, Max Burman Organizations: Royal Spanish Football Federation, England, FIFA, AFP, Associated Press Locations: Sydney, Spanish, Spain, United States, Germany, Japan, Norway

CNN —The soccer world has rallied behind Jenni Hermoso, leaving Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales looking increasingly isolated as the pressure builds on him a week after his unwanted kiss on the Spain star at the Women’s World Cup final last Sunday. It was a week ago that Rubiales kissed Hermoso after the player had collected her winners’ medal, an incident seen by millions of viewers around the world. It was a visual representation of the global solidarity which has marked women’s soccer this week. San Diego Wave shows support for Jenni Hermoso. That solidarity extended into men’s soccer too with Cadiz and Sevilla both showing their support for Hermoso at their respective matches on Saturday, while Spanish soccer icons Xavi and Iniesta voiced their disapproval of Rubiales’ behavior.

Persons: Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Andrés Iniesta, Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, ” Vilda, Hermoso, Spain’s, Vilda, ” Hermoso, “, ”, Jenni ’, Jennifer Hermoso ”, Houston Dash, Contigo Jenni, Jenni, Alex Morgan –, Nathan Ray Seebeck, La, Iniesta, Somos Jenni, Yolanda Díaz, Jennifer Hermoso, Fran Santiago, Xavi Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Spain, FIFA, Hermoso, Milan, Atletico Madrid, Houston, National Women’s Soccer League, KS, Orlando Pride, San Diego Wave, Diego Wave, USA, Sports, Reuters, Sevilla, Getty Locations: Spain, Spanish, ”, Madrid, La Roja’s, Cadiz, Barcelona

☆ Who is Luis Rubiales and why did he kiss Jenni Hermoso?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( Joshua Berlinger | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The scandal began just moments after La Roja’s historic 1-0 victory against England, when the head of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. Fast forward seven days and Spain’s World Cup winners are refusing to play. After showing one of the Spanish players kissing the Women’s World Cup Trophy, the broadcast cut to Rubiales hugging Hermoso. Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesWhat Rubiales and Hermoso are sayingHermoso said at no point did she consent to the kiss. Spanish players’ union FUTPRO called for Rubiales to be punished after the kiss, while global players’ union FIFPRO called for “immediate disciplinary action” following Rubiales’ Friday speech.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, “, Gianni Infantino, Letizia, Sofia, Rubiales, royal’s, Anthony Albanese, James, Hermoso, ”, ” Rubiales, FUTPRO, FIFPRO, Rafael del Amo, Jenni, Jenni Hermoso, Christian Chavez, Jorge Vilda –, Borja Iglesia, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Luis de la Fuente, Fran Santiago, Pedro Sanchez, Yolanda Diaz Organizations: CNN, England, Spanish, FIFA, Australian, British, Spain’s High, of Sport, Rubiales, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Pachuca women's, “, Atletico Madrid players, Sevilla, Getty Locations: Spanish, Spain, Eurasia, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Madrid, Seville

☆ Luis Rubiales: Spain's RFEF president refuses to resign after fierce criticism for unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales has refused to resign from his position as Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president following a week of fierce criticism after video showed him placing an unwanted kiss on a star player of Spain’s winning Women’s World Cup team. “It was a spontaneous kiss … It was spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and with consent, which is the key. This is the key to all of the criticism, of all of the campaign which has been mounted in this country: that it was without consent. She’s the one who picked me up in her arms and she pulled me into her body. While acknowledging he needed to apologize for his actions, Rubiales described calls for his resignation as a “witch hunt.”More to follow.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Spain’s, Rubiales, ” Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso –, “, Pedro Sánchez, ”, ” Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Noe Llamas, Hermoso, TMJ, Jenni, ‘, ’, peck, excusing Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Royal Spanish Football Federation, La Roja, Spain’s, England, Spain’s Association of Professional Soccer, FIFA Locations: Spain, Sydney –, Spanish, “

CNN —Video has emerged that shows Spain head coach Jorge Vilda appearing to inappropriately touch a female staff member during the Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England. Then, as Vilda turns his head away from the group embrace, his left hand drops down to her chest. Despite Spain’s World Cup success, Vilda’s tenure as head coach – he was appointed in 2015 – has been hugely controversial. The video clip comes against the backdrop of unrest between Spain’s players, Vilda and his coaching staff and the RFEF, which led to 12 of Spain’s biggest stars missing the World Cup. However, the RFEF backed Vilda, and all but three of the 15 players who sent letters missed out on Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Spain’s Olga Carmona, Vilda, –, Spain’s, Luis Rubiales, “, Jennifer Hermoso, ” Rubiales, Pedro Sánchez, Sánchez Organizations: CNN, La Roja, England, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish, Cadena, FIFA Locations: Spain, England, Spanish

☆ Women’s World Cup: The image that epitomizes a transformative tournament
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —As the final whistle blew and Spain was crowned Women’s World Cup champion for the first time, joyous celebrations began for the Spanish contingent at Sydney’s Stadium Australia. Ona Batlle and Lucy Bronze, stars of Spanish and English soccer respectively, are considered two of the best full-backs in women’s football and are teammates at FC Barcelona Femení. Batlle and Bronze became FC Barcelona Femení teammates in the summer. Batlle was then joined by Spanish teammate and Barcelona player Mariona Caldentey in helping to provide support to their club colleague. The Guardian wrote that the moment “signifies most global and connected Women’s World Cup.”Bronze had been at fault for Spain's winning goal.

Persons: Roja partied, Ona Batlle, Lucy Bronze, Justin Setterfield, Batlle, deservedly, Olga Carmona, Mariona Caldentey, Spain's, Julieta Ferrario, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Lionesses, Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood Organizations: CNN, Sydney’s, FC Barcelona Femení, England, Spain, Spanish, Barcelona, ITV, BBC, Guardian Locations: Spain, Australia

But in Australia, relative newcomers to the game’s big leagues, the arrival of the world’s best women’s players has left old and new fans starry-eyed with possibility. Despite placing fourth – the team’s best finish at a World Cup – the ability of relative outsiders to make it that far has elevated Australia’s Matildas to hero status. Fans cheer Spain's victory while watching a live transmission of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Madrid. Australia fans celebrate at Melbourne's Federation Square after the Matildas scored the opening goal in their FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Denmark on August 7. It’s not just football, it’s different.”Spain's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Persons: Sydney CNN —, “, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Gianni Infantino, ”, Matildas, Spain's, Denis Doyle, –, Australia’s, might’ve, Sam Kerr, Asanka Ratnayake, that’s, Matilda Karen Menzies –, there’s, Kerr, Australia's Sam Kerr, England's Keira Walsh, Ulrik Pedersen, they’ve, Andrea Ellis, ” Ellis, you’re, Sarai Bareman, Saeed Khan, Infantino, Joanna Lohman, Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, RFEF, Sisters, Simmi Nanduo, ” Louise Nussac, Vilda, Kelly Stroda, La, Hilary Whiteman, d’Or Féminin, Alexia Putellas Organizations: Sydney CNN, Sydney’s, FIFA, La Roja, Royal Spanish Football Federation, derisory, England, Sweden, Melbourne's, Denmark, Australia’s, UEFA European, Sunday’s, Women’s Football, FIFA Women’s Football Convention, Getty, United States Women’s National, “, Sky News, CNN, ”, World Locations: Australia, Europe, Madrid, England, Bromley ,, London, AFP, Texas, Spanish, Paris, France, Spain, La Roja

☆ Mutineers silent as Spain enjoy Women's World Cup triumph
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Twelve of the 15 players who took part in the mutiny and ended up not making Spain's World Cup squad decided to stay silent, giving no interviews and making no mention of the Women's World Cup on their personal social media accounts. The 15 e-mails from 15 players sent to RFEF President Luis Rubiales demanded radical changes in the team's structure. PLAYERS SILENTReuters tried to contact the players through their agents, who said they will remain silent. However, Spanish agent Carlota Planas, who represents world champions Mariona Caldentey, Cata Coll and four of the players who were left behind -- Pina, Guijarro, Lola Gallardo and Leila Aouhabi -- told Reuters the revolt played a major role in Spain's World Cup success. "Without them and their bravery, surely the RFEF would not have even considered making any improvements at all," Planas said.

Persons: Spain's Misa Rodriguez, Juan Medina, Spain's, Jorge Vilda, Luis Rubiales, Ona, Mariona, Aitana Bonmati, Sandra Panos, Patri, Mapi Leon, Claudia Pina, Carlota Planas, Mariona Caldentey, Cata Coll, Pina, Guijarro, Lola Gallardo, Leila Aouhabi, Planas, Marta Diaz, Manchester United's Lucia Garcia, Diaz, Fernando Kallas, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Rights, La Roja, England, Spanish FA, World, League, Reuters, BePlayer Agency, Manchester, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Madrid, Sydney, Spanish

☆ Alexia Putellas: World Cup winner says ‘FIFA should take note’ of issues in women’s football
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Matt Foster | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Newly crowned Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas spoke passionately after Sunday’s final victory over England about the need for FIFA to “take note” of the issues facing women in the sport. (From L to R) Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso and Irene Paredes celebrate with the trophy after winning the World Cup. The 2023 Women’s World Cup broke several viewing records throughout the competition and in a number of different countries. In his speech at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention in Sydney on Friday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed over 2 billion people had tuned in to the competition, hailing it as a “truly transformational” event. Spain’s victory earned the country’s maiden Women’s World Cup title, having only qualified for the flagship event three times, and it now joins Germany as the only nations to win both a men’s and women’s World Cup.

Persons: Alexia Putellas, – Putellas, it’s, Ballon d’Or, ” Putellas, “, “ We’ve, Jennifer Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Saeed Khan, Jorge Vilda, Putellas, ”, Gianni Infantino Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Colombian, CNN Sport, Getty, Spain, England, US Soccer, Seven Network, OzTAM, FIFA Women’s Football Convention Locations: England, AFP, Canada, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, Barcelona, Sydney, Germany

CNN —Within the span of hours this weekend, Spain’s Women’s World Cup hero Olga Carmona experienced a career high and a deep loss, the latter of which was kept from her so she could focus on Sunday’s final. The soccer player learned the sad news after the World Cup final.”“We send our most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga,” RFEF added. Carmona’s 29th-minute strike proved to be the winner, making La Roja only the second country, after Germany, to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups. If the off-pitch issues can be resolved, Spain’s future shines bright, because now, incredibly, the Iberian nation is a Women’s World Cup winner at Under-17, Under-20 and senior level.

Persons: Spain’s, Olga Carmona, Carmona, Olga Carmona’s, ”, Olga, ” RFEF, “, Roja, Jorge Vilda, RFEF Organizations: CNN, England, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Real, “ Real Madrid C, Roja, World Locations: Real Madrid, Germany, Spain, European

Search resuls for: "La Roja"

25 mentions found