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☆ Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí win men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —It was a successful night for Spanish soccer at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony – the annual soccer awards celebrating the best players in the men’s and women’s game. Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri won his first Ballon d’Or, while Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin during Monday’s presentation. Rodri credited his improvement in the final third in helping him win the award. Franck Fife/AFP/Getty ImagesBonmatí was once again crucial to Barcelona Femení’s success this year and won her second consecutive Ballon d’Or award. Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy – the award given to the best under 21 player in men’s football.

Persons: Rodri, Ballon d’Or, Aitana Bonmatí, d’Or, Lamine Yamal, ” Rodri, “, Real Madrid’s Vinícius, Jude Bellingham, Franck Fife, Bonmatí, “ I’m, ” Bonmati, Natalie Portman, it’s, you’ve, ” Portman, Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo, Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Caroline, Salma, Yamal, Pedro Salado, Ballon, Aitana, Spain Gerd Müller, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Emiliano Martínez, Spain Socrates, Jennifer Hermoso, Women’s Johan Cruyff, Emma Hayes, USA Men’s Johan Cruyff, Carlo Ancelotti Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Ballon, Manchester City, Manchester City’s, League, Real Madrid, La Liga, Getty, Barcelona, Liga F, Champions League, la Reina, Hollywood, Spain, Real, Bayern, PSG, France Yashin, Aston Villa, Argentina Kopa, Club Tigres Femenil, Real Madrid Women’s Club, Men’s Locations: Spain, Barcelona, Spanish, Paris, Real, Bellingham, AFP, Real Madrid, El, Manchester City, Aitana Bonmatí, Bayern Munich, England, Chelsea, USA

☆ Ex-Soccer Chief in Spain to Stand Trial on Sexual Assault Charge
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Rachel Chaundler | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Luis Rubiales, Spain’s former soccer chief, will stand trial on a count of sexual assault for grabbing the head of Jennifer Hermoso, a star player, and forcibly kissing her on the mouth at the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony in August. The decision on Wednesday evening by Spain’s National Court came after a judge concluded in January that Mr. Rubiales should be held to account for the kiss, which the judge said “was nonconsensual” and within the bounds of the “intimacy of sexual relations.”Public prosecutors and Ms. Hermoso’s lawyers are seeking a total of two and a half years of prison time for Mr. Rubiales: one year for the sexual assault charge and an additional 18 months in connection with a coercion charge. Mr. Rubiales is accused of pressuring Ms. Hermoso to show support for him after the kiss. Three other former soccer officials, including Jorge Vilda, the former women’s team’s coach, are also accused of coercion. They could each face 18 months in prison.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, “, Ms, Hermoso, Jorge Vilda Organizations: Spain’s National, ” Public

☆ Rubiales to stand trial for unsolicited World Cup kiss
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Radina Gigova | Pau Mosquera | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Former Spanish soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales will stand trial for his unsolicited kiss of national soccer player Jennifer Hermoso, after a High Court judge in Madrid accepted the case, the court said on Wednesday. Rubiales faces one count of sexual assault and one of coercion for his alleged actions following the kiss, which occurred after Spain’s World Cup victory last year. “For me, there is no crime,” Rubiales told TV channel La Sexta in April. The court has set a bail of 65,000 euros ($69,836) for Rubiales’ charge of sexual assault. The court has also set a separate joint bail of 65,000 euros for Rubiales, Vilda, Luque and Rivera for the coercion charge.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Hermoso, ” Rubiales, La, “ I’ve, ”, Jorge Vilda, Albert Luque, Ruben Rivera, coercing, Rivera Organizations: CNN, Spain’s, Ministry, Royal Spanish Football Federation, GQ Spain, women’s Locations: Spanish, Madrid, Hermoso, Vilda, Luque

☆ Luis Rubiales: Ex-Spain soccer boss denies kiss was sexual assault, claims he’s only being questioned because he’s a man
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“For me, there is no crime,” Rubiales told TV channel La Sexta. Hermoso has previously said she did not consent and was not respected by Rubiales. “I’ve received threats and that’s something which you will never get used to.”Luis Rubiales attends a ceremony on October 14, 2022, in Madrid Spain. A Civil Guard spokesman confirmed to CNN that Rubiales was questioned over a different investigation than the sexual assault charge, but would not elaborate further due to a Court decision. Rubiales was later released, the Civil Guard said.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Hermoso, ”, ” Rubiales, La, “, peck, “ I’ve, ” Luis Rubiales, Alberto Ortega, EURPRARC, Rubiales Organizations: CNN, Royal Spanish Football Federation, GQ Spain, FIFA, Spain’s Civil Guard, Civil Guard Locations: Madrid Spain, Madrid

CNN —Disgraced former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales was detained and released after questioning upon arriving in Madrid from an international flight, according to Spain’s Civil Guard. A Civil Guard spokesperson confirmed to CNN that Rubiales was detained this morning after landing at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport on a commercial flight from the Dominican Republic. He was detained by the Civil Guard’s Central Operative Unit (UCO) on the runway before being driven away in a van. The UCO is a body of the Spanish Civil Guard which investigates and fights serious and organized crime in Spain. Rubiales was released after testifying at the airport’s Terminal 4 Civil Guard unit, Civil Guard said.

Persons: CNN —, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Adolfo Suárez, Jennifer Hermoso Organizations: CNN, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spain’s Civil Guard, Civil Guard, Adolfo, Adolfo Suárez Madrid – Barajas, Civil, Operative Unit, Spanish Civil Guard, Spanish National Court Locations: Madrid, Dominican Republic, Spain

☆ Luis Rubiales: Prosecutors seek 2.5-year jail term for Spanish soccer boss over unwanted World Cup kiss
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Heather Chen | Pau Mosquera | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Spanish prosecutors are seeking a prison term of two years and six months for former soccer chief Luis Rubiales for giving an unwanted kiss to star forward Jennifer Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup victory. The kiss was televised globally and the scandal overshadowed a historic moment for Spain’s women’s team which was celebrating its first-ever World Cup win. Rubiales described the kiss as “mutual” – a claim Hermoso has strongly denied – and said he faces “excessive persecution” from authorities. Vilda had been filmed seeming to inappropriately touch a female staff member during the Women’s World Cup Final. He was replaced by Montse Tomé, the first woman in Spanish national team history to hold the position.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Hermoso, Spain’s, –, Jorge Vilda, Albert Luque, Rubén Rivera, CNN Rubiales, Spain’s women’s, Vilda, Montse Tomé Organizations: CNN, Public Ministry, Royal Spanish Football Federation, FIFA, Prosecutors, Spanish, Hermoso Locations: Spain, Spanish

☆ Luis Rubiales, Ex-Chief of Spanish Soccer, to Face Trial Over World Cup Kiss
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Rachel Chaundler | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A judge with Spain’s National Court recommended on Thursday that the country’s onetime soccer boss, Luis Rubiales, be tried on a sexual assault charge over his non-consensual kiss of a star player during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony in Sydney, Australia, last summer. If found guilty of sexual assault in the case, which upended Spanish women’s soccer and set off a debate about the legacy of sexism in the sport in Spain, Mr. Rubiales would face a prison sentence of one to four years. The judge also recommended that Mr. Rubiales and three officials with the Royal Spanish Football Federation, soccer’s governing body in the country — including Jorge Vilda, who was fired as the women’s team coach in the wake of the incident — be tried on charges of coercion for exerting pressure on the player, Jennifer Hermoso, to show support for Mr. Rubiales in the immediate aftermath of the kiss. The judge concluded that the kiss by Mr. Rubiales “was non-consensual and was a unilateral and surprise act.”

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales “, ” Organizations: National, Royal Spanish Football Federation Locations: Sydney, Australia, Spain

☆ Luis Rubiales: Judge proposes former Spain soccer boss should stand trial for unwanted kiss
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Al Goodman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A judge has proposed that Spain’s former soccer boss, Luis Rubiales, should stand trial for giving an unwanted kiss to star forward Jennifer Hermoso after the national team’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory, the National Court press office in Madrid said in statement Thursday. Rubiales had described the kiss as “mutual” – a claim Hermoso has denied, saying she did not consent and was not respected. Rubiales resigned as RFEF president last September following weeks of pressure and now faces potential prosecution over his alleged actions. After that, the judge could issue an order to send the case for trial, which – if it occurs – would be held before a panel of three other judges at the National Court, the court spokesperson added. Hermoso was the last to testify in the investigation phase, appearing before the judge last January 2.

Persons: CNN —, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Francisco de Jorge, “, Rubiales, Hermoso, Jorge Vilda, CNN’s Kathleen Magramo Organizations: CNN, National Court, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Defense, Rubiales Locations: Madrid, Spain

☆ FIFA Best Awards: Lionel Messi, Aitana Bonmatí, a green carpet and a mini tuxedo. Step inside the surreal world
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Matias Grez | Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The Spaniard went on to be crowned the Best Men’s Coach after guiding City to the treble last season. That is not normal – for anything in history.”Manchester City Pep Guardiola poses with the trophy after being named the best men's coach in 2023. Later, shortlists were determined by two separate panels of experts in men’s and women’s football. Players past and present were in attendance, including the likes of Brazilian great Ronaldo and the newly crowned Women’s Best Player, Aitana Bonmatí. I’m very happy about how women’s football has evolved in Brazil and in the world.

Persons: CNN —, Pep Guardiola, Romina Polenta, Polenta, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, “, Messi, ” Polenta, Manchester City Pep Guardiola, Michael Regan, Johanne Perraud, “ Kiki, ”, Perraud didn’t, murmurs, shortlists, Ronaldo, Aitana Bonmatí, Oussama Nacer, I’ve, Nacer, Thierry Henry, ” Johanne Perraud, Romina, Matias Grez, Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Hermoso, Sarina Wiegman, Marta, “ There’ll, I’m, It’s, Hugo Íñiguez, Íñiguez’s, Íñiguez Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Manchester City, Spaniard, CNN Sport, Qatar, Inter Miami, MLS, Nacer, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Argentine, Colón, Salta Rodríguez Locations: London, Argentina, Qatar, Buenos Aires, France, men’s, Spain, Brazil, Salta

☆ Elite women’s sports tipped to generate over $1.2 billion next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Elite women’s sports will generate revenue of $1.28 billion in 2024, according to financial analysts Deloitte, up 300% from three years ago. “Crucially, women’s sport is increasingly being viewed as a unique product that is becoming ever more distinct from men’s elite sport.”The forecast comes at an exciting time for women’s sports, which have generally been on an upward trajectory in recent years. The FIFA Women’s World Cup, for example, was a roaring success which brought soccer to a whole new audience. Deloitte predicts the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour will be a major contributor to revenue next year. Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesDeloitte’s predictions forecast that valuations of women’s teams and leagues will continue to rise, with broadcast deals becoming increasingly lucrative.

Persons: ” Jennifer Haskel, “, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Sarah Stier, ” Paul Lee, ” Organizations: CNN, Elite, Deloitte, Deloitte’s Sports Business, FIFA, Tennis Association, “ Broadcasters Locations: Spanish, Spain, Europe, North America

☆ 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

☆ Luis Rubiales: FIFA bans Rubiales from ‘all football-related activities’ for three years after unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, has banned Luis Rubiales – the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) – from all football-related activities for three years over his unwanted kiss on Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning star player Jennifer Hermoso. In a statement released on Monday, FIFA said Rubiales’ actions during the medal ceremony at the Women’s World Cup final in August was in breach of article 13 of its disciplinary code. FIFA said the decision remained subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee. The fallout over Rubiales’ behaviour triggered a crisis in Spanish soccer and sparked condemnation in Spain and across the world. Following weeks of fierce criticism, Rubiales resigned last month as the country’s soccer president.

Persons: Luis Rubiales –, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales Organizations: CNN — FIFA, Spanish Football Association, FIFA, FIFA Appeal Locations: Spanish, Spain

☆ FIFA Bars Former Spanish Soccer Chief for 3 Years
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Cassandra Vinograd | Tariq Panja | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer’s global governing body on Monday barred Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s soccer federation, from the sport for three years over his forcible kiss of a player after the Women’s World Cup final in August. It also led to accusations in the days that followed that Mr. Rubiales and others at the federation had pressured the player to say the kiss was consensual. Ms. Hermoso instead filed a criminal complaint of sexual assault, and Mr. Rubiales — who initially resisted calls to resign — was placed under a provisional 90-day suspension while FIFA, soccer’s governing body, investigated the episode. He quit as the head of Spain’s soccer federation less than a month after the final, under pressure from players who were refusing to take the field for the women’s national team. It did not provide further details on the findings but said that Mr. Rubiales could request them, at which point a so-called reasoned decision would be made public.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Hermoso, Rubiales —, — Organizations: Mr, FIFA, women’s

☆ Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso ‘derailed’ joy of Spain’s Women’s World Cup success, says FIFA Secretary General
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Zayn Nabbi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —FIFA’s outgoing Secretary General Fatma Samoura said she was encouraged by the global support Jenni Hermoso received after Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on her following Spain’s triumph in the Women’s World Cup final, saying the Spanish football federation president’s actions partly “ruined” the tournament and “derailed” the world champion’s joyous celebrations. Rubiales resigned from his roles as president of the Spanish Football Federation and one of UEFA's vice-presidents. I think we have to have 211 member associations deciding who’s the best for the FIFA president. Samoura shakes hands with Spain's Salma Paralluelo during the award ceremony following the 2023 Women's World Cup final. It takes 1,000 people to organize the World Cup, it takes even more to fight all forms of discrimination in the stadium,” said Samoura.

Persons: CNN —, General Fatma Samoura, Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, “, ” Samoura, Darren Lewis, Rubiales, Irina R, Hipolito, ”, Samoura, George Floyd, Catherine Ivill, Hermoso, Jorge Vilda, Jenni, you’ve, Shane Anthony SInclair, “ It’s, Gianni Infantino, ” Infantino, FairSquare, Lise Klaveness, Klaveness, Infantino, Spain's Salma Paralluelo, Alex Pantling, Sepp Blatter, Jérôme Valcke Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Spanish Football Federation, Europa Press, UN, FIFA, Samoura, Amnesty, Norway, organisation’s, FIFA Congress, “ Locations: Spanish, Africa, London, Spain, America, Russia, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, Doha, Kigali

☆ Jamaica’s Women’s World Cup squad refuses to play upcoming matches over ‘constant mistreatment’ and delayed payments
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Members of the World Cup squad, the statement read, were still waiting for correct payments for their performances at the tournament and accused the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) of poor management. If there is a grievance or concern, this must be placed squarely on the table to be addressed and documented to the JFF.”Players from Jamaica's World Cup squad have refused to play the team's upcoming games. Jamaica made its own history at the World Cup, becoming the first Caribbean nation ever to reach the knockout phase of the tournament. Jamaica eventually lost to Colombia in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup. A long battleFor years, Jamaica’s women’s team has battled for better funding and working conditions.

Persons: Allyson Swaby, Khadija Shaw, Xavier Gilbert, Gilbert, Lorne Donaldson, “, ”, David Gray, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, Robert Cianflone, Jamaica’s, Bob Marley’s, Cedella Organizations: CNN, World, Jamaica Football Federation, Getty, Spanish national team, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Concacaf Gold, Panama, Jamaica Gleaner, FIFA, Jamaica Locations: AFP, Jamaica, Caribbean, Guatemala, Colombia, Australia, New Zealand, France, Brazil, Panama

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

☆ Leah Williamson: Fallout like Spain’s was ‘inevitable’ in women’s soccer, says England and Arsenal star
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Matias Grez | Amanda Davies | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“It’s a moment that was inevitable based off of the environment that we’ve had in football,” Williamson told CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. “I’m glad that it’s getting the exposure that it is, but as a fellow footballer I really feel for the girls. Williamson captained England to victory at Euro 2021. Every cloud has a silver liningAfter injuring her knee during Arsenal’s Women’s Super League match against Manchester United in April, Williamson was later given the diagnosis that soccer players dread the most: a ruptured ACL. Williamson (center) suffered an ACL injury in May, causing her to miss the World Cup.

Persons: Leah Williamson, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Williamson, we’ve, ” Williamson, Amanda Davies, “ I’m, “, Naomi Baker, ”, Lionesses, Millie Bright, she’s, ’, ’ ’, Clive Rose, – Williamson, they’re, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, Arsenal, government’s, of Sport, United Nations ’, UN, FA, League, Manchester United, England, The Arsenal Foundation Locations: England, Spain, Spanish, New York, Jordan, Za’atari

☆ 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

☆ Spain's women players to end boycott after federation commit to change
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The decision was reached around 5 a.m. (0300 GMT) after more than seven hours of meetings at a hotel in Oliva, an hour from Valencia, involving the players, RFEF officials, the National Sports Council (CSD) and the women's players' union FUTPRO. "A joint commission will be created between RFEF, CSD and players to follow up on the agreements, which will be signed tomorrow," CSD President Victor Francos told reporters. "The players have expressed their concern about the need for profound changes in the RFEF, which has committed to making these changes immediately." The revolt by the players was triggered after former RFEF chief Rubiales kissed forward Hermoso on the lips following Spain's World Cup victory. Hermoso was not in the squad list announced on Monday and accused the RFEF of trying to divide and manipulate the players.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, Juan Medina, Rights OLIVA, Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Victor Francos, Rafael del Amo, Amanda Gutierrez, Montse Tome, Francos, Rubiales, Hermoso, RFEF, Fernando Kallas, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Football, FIFA, REUTERS, Rights, National Sports Council, Women's Nations League, Sweden, Switzerland, Nations League, Olympic Games, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Madrid, Oliva, Valencia, Gothenburg, Cordoba, Europe

☆ Outcry in Spain as artificial intelligence used to create fake naked images of underage girls
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Police in Spain have launched an investigation after images of young girls, altered with artificial intelligence to remove their clothing, were sent around a town in the south of the country. A group of mothers from Almendralejo, in the Extremadura region, reported that their daughters had received images of themselves in which they appeared to be naked. One of the mothers, Miriam Al Adib, used a video published on her verified Instagram account to raise awareness about the situation. On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the high court of justice in Extremadura told CNN that a police investigation is ongoing. According to the outlet, the images were made using an app which uses artificial intelligence to produce images of people without any clothes on.

Persons: Miriam Al Adib, Al Adib, ” Francisco Mendoza, ”, Pilar Porrón, Fátima Gomez, María Ramírez, María Guardiola, Guardiola, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Hermoso Organizations: CNN — Police, CNN, “ Locations: Spain, Almendralejo, Extremadura, Spanish, Madrid

☆ Spanish women’s players agree to end national team boycott after striking deal with federation and Spain government
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( George Ramsay | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Earlier this week, 20 players named to the national team squad reiterated their refusal to play in two upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures, including against Sweden on Friday. A Mixed Commission featuring representatives for the players, RFEF and CSD will also be created to implement further changes in the future. How we got hereWednesday’s announcement is the latest development in a long-running saga between the Spanish women’s team players, who won a first Women’s World Cup title last month, and RFEF. Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas runs with the ball against Japan at the Women's World Cup. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty ImagesOf the 15 players who signed the letters, only three were in Spain’s World Cup squad: Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmatí and Ona Batlle.

Persons: Víctor Francos, Mapi León, Patricia Guijarro, ” Francos, ”, …, we’ve, ” Amanda Gutiérrez, FUTPRO, Montse Tomé, Jorge Vilda, Rafael del Amo, Tomé, del Amo, “, ” Tomé, León, it’s, “ We’ve, Guijarro, you’re, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Alexia Putellas, Marty Melville, Mariona, Aitana, Ona Batlle, RFEF Organizations: CNN, Spanish, soccer, Royal Spanish Football Federation, government’s, of Sport, UEFA Women’s Nations League, Sweden, Barcelona, women’s, RFEF, Guijarro, World, Spanish women’s, Japan, England, Federation Locations: Sweden, Switzerland, Spanish, Sydney, AFP, Australia, New Zealand, women’s soccer

“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

☆ Jennifer Hermoso Excluded From Spain’s Game Roster
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Rachel Chaundler | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Spain unveiled its roster on Monday for the first two matches of the women’s national team since the team’s World Cup win — and a postgame kiss that plunged women’s soccer into turmoil. Many of the players chosen to play for Spain, however, have made it clear that they are unwilling to take the field unless management changes are made at the soccer federation, and the announcement and the outraged response from many of the players highlighted the uncertainty and mistrust pervading the program. Only eight of the World Cup winners were left off Monday’s roster, including three who are injured, one who has retired — and Jennifer Hermoso, the star player who was forcibly kissed by the man who was Spain’s top soccer executive at the time. “We are with Jenni. We believe it’s the best way to protect her,” said the new coach, Montse Tomé, at a Royal Spanish Football Federation news conference, when she was asked why Ms. Hermoso had not been chosen to play in the UEFA Nations League, which is the qualifier for European teams in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, Jenni, ”, Montse Tomé, Hermoso Organizations: women’s, Spain, Royal Spanish Football Federation, UEFA Nations League, Olympic Games Locations: Spain

CNN —Carla Vall, lawyer for Spanish soccer star Jennifer Hermoso, reiterated that the kiss by ex-Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales to her client after the Women’s World Cup final was non-consensual. That’s what we’ll show,” Vall said after leaving the National Court in the capital of Madrid. “it’s just the beginning of the investigation at court,” Vall added. Earlier this week, the National Court announced it had admitted a complaint made against Rubiales by Spanish prosecutors for sexual assault and coercion. Interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha then began to make moves as part of his “regeneration” of the federation, firing controversial coach Jorge Vilda and appointing his deputy, Montse Tomé.

Persons: Carla Vall, Jennifer Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, ” Vall, “ it’s, Olga Tubau, Irina R Hipolito, Shutterstock, Hermoso, “, Pedro Rocha, Jorge Vilda, Montse Tomé, Rocha, Víctor Organizations: CNN, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish, National Court, Rubiales, Interim, High Council of Sport Locations: Spanish, Madrid, RFEF

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