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The Spanish men\u2019s national team has spoken out in solidarity with the World Cup-winning women\u2019s side and condemned Spain FA president Luis Rubiales for his \u2018unacceptable behaviour\u2019.<\/p>\n
Rubiales kissed Spain player Jenni Hermoso without her consent after the World Cup final win over England and has been under fire ever since.<\/p>\n
After refusing to resign from his position as president of the Spanish Football Federation in the wake of the backlash,\u00a0Rubiales was given a 90-day suspension by FIFA and ordered not to contact Hermoso.<\/p>\n
Rubiales has accused Hermoso of lying about her version of events and, in an attempt to clear his name,\u00a0sent a video to FIFA showing the Spanish player laughing about the incident with her teammates.<\/p>\n
He then issued a statement last week again defending himself and doubling down on his position.<\/p>\n
The captains of Spain\u2019s men\u2019s team \u2013 Alvaro Morata, Cesar Azpilicueta, Rodrigo Hernandez and Marco Asensio \u2013 have issued a statement in response, criticising the behaviour of Rubiales and supporting the women\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
Read out by Morata on Monday, the statement read: \u2018Once concentrated in Las Rozas, the National Team players want to highlight several issues regarding the latest events that have damaged the image of Spanish football: First of all, we want to convey, once again, our pride and our most sincere congratulations to the Women\u2019s National Team for the title of World Champions in Sydney.<\/p>\n
\u2018A historical milestone full of meaning that will mark a before and after in Spanish women\u2019s football, inspiring many women with a triumph of incalculable value.<\/p>\n
\u2018For this reason, we want to regret and express our solidarity with the players who have seen their success tarnished.<\/p>\n
\u2018We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behaviour on the part of Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents.<\/p>\n
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\u2018We place ourselves firmly and clearly on the side of the values \u200b\u200bthat sport represents. Spanish football must be an engine of respect, inspiration, inclusion and diversity and must set an example with its conduct both on and off the field.<\/p>\n
\u2018From today, we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish football on our way to qualify for Euro 2024 with two games against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like that, from now on, we could focus on sporting issues given the relevance of the challenges that lie ahead.\u2019<\/p>\n