Spain Calls Up Hermoso For First Time Since Forced Kiss Scandal
Muhammad Rameez Published October 18, 2023 | 09:44 PM
Jenni Hermoso was on Wednesday included in the Spain women's squad for the first time since the scandal over the unsolicited kiss former federation president Luis Rubiales gave her following the Women's World Cup final in Australia
Las Rozas de Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Oct, 2023) Jenni Hermoso was on Wednesday included in the Spain women's squad for the first time since the scandal over the unsolicited kiss former federation president Luis Rubiales gave her following the Women's World Cup final in Australia.
New coach Montse Tome included the 33-year-old midfielder, who plays for Mexican side Pachuca, in her squad which to face Switzerland and Italy later this month in the Nations League.
Hermoso has been in the eye of the storm that shook Spanish football after Rubiales forcibly kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony after Spain beat England in the Women's World Cup final in Australia on August 20.
Rubiales was the head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) at the time, but he has since resigned following an outcry over the kiss, with 39 players striking from the national team to demand changes.
He said the kiss was mutual and consensual, but Hermoso said it was done without her consent.
The scandal also led to the dismissal of coach Jorge Vilda, who was replaced by Tome, his number two.
Last month Tome called up the majority of the Women's World Cup-winning players for her first Spain squad, but left out Hermoso -- Spain's all-time leading scorer -- to "protect her".
The decision to leave her out was criticised by many players and by Hermoso herself.
"Protect me from what? And from whom?" Hermoso asked in a statement.
Three other players who Tome left out due to injuries last month -- Esther Gonzalez, Ivana Andres and Salma Paralluelo -- were also given the green light to return.
Spain play Italy on October 27 and Switzerland on October 31. Spain currently sit top of their group with two wins from two and will be looking to move closer to booking a place in the finals.
- 'Tarnished my image' -
Rubiales last month appeared before a court in Madrid which is considering a complaint of sexual assault against the 46-year-old over the kiss.
Under a recent reform of the Spanish penal code, a non-consensual kiss can be considered sexual assault, a criminal category that groups together all types of sexual violence.
The penalties for a forced kiss can range from a fine to four years in prison.
Rubiales is also accused of "coercion" for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to speak out in his defence immediately after the furore over the kiss erupted.
Hermoso told prosecutors she was repeatedly pressured by federation officials to "downplay" the kiss.
"I kept being asked to protect him (Rubiales) and help them (the RFEF). They tarnished my image, I felt that no one was protecting me," she said according to a leaked recording of Hermoso's meeting with prosecutors which aired earlier this month on private television Telecinco.
"I want to make it clear that at no time did I consent to the kiss he gave me and in no way did I seek to encourage the president," she added.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Asif demands imposition of Article 6 against violators of constitution
Courts functional across Punjab despite lawyers strike: LHC
IHC serves notice in plea seeking removal of Kanwal Shauzab from ECL
Country's prosperity, progress hinges upon women's empowerment, socio-economic i ..
Governor for making universities on path of self-sufficiency
Pakistan, US reaffirm commitment to continue counter-terrorism cooperation
Pakistan gets third consecutive in Central Asian Volleyball League
Arid University, QAU students mark World Migratory Birds Day
Journalist Safety Training workshop commences at FCCU
DC visits examination center for ensuring power supply on paper time in Lasbela
Six drug peddlers held, huge cache of narcotics recovered
KP Governor calls on Chairman Senate, discuss ongoing political, economic scenar ..
More Stories From Sports
-
Pakistan gets third consecutive in Central Asian Volleyball League
59 minutes ago -
Irish Men to tour Pakistan for test series in September 2025
2 hours ago -
Tennis: Rome Open results
2 hours ago -
Osaka and Rublev fall at Rome Open as climate protesters invade courts
4 hours ago -
T20I third match: Pakistan to face Ireland at Dublin tomorrow
4 hours ago -
Babar Azam sets T20I captaincy record in Pakistan win
4 hours ago
-
PTF launches coaching course to nurture tennis talent
4 hours ago -
De Paul stunner fires Atletico past Celta towards top four finish
4 hours ago -
Hockey player honored for outstanding performance
4 hours ago -
KU clinch All Pakistan Intervarsity Chess championship title
4 hours ago -
Pakistan’s victory over Ireland takes Babar to a new record
7 hours ago -
Shahid Afridi lauds Pakistan team
7 hours ago