Cadiz, Sevilla supports woman player kissed by Spanish federation boss before games

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Players from Cadiz and Sevilla confirmed their solidarity with the Spain Women’s World Cup champion who was kissed by the now-suspended president of the nationwide federation earlier than their respective residence video games on Saturday.

Spain has been in an uproar since Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips throughout the awards ceremony following the World Cup remaining in Sydney final weekend.

Cadiz’s gamers held up a banner saying “We Are All With Jenni” earlier than its Spanish league match in opposition to Almeria, turning into the primary males’s staff to make a public assertion in favor of Hermoso.

“The club did what it was supposed to do, which was to send a message of unity for men’s and women’s soccer,” Cadiz participant Luis Hernández mentioned.

Before internet hosting Girona, Sevilla’s participant wore T-shirts with the message “This is over,” echoing a message in rejection of Rubiales that was began by Hermoso’s teammate and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas on social media. The crowd additionally chanted “This is over.”

Hermoso attended a preseason match for Atletico Madrid, the membership the place the ahead began her lengthy and profitable profession. She obtained an ovation from the gang.

Earlier, FIFA moved to quickly droop Rubiales a day after he mentioned he wouldn’t resign amid mounting strain from Spain’s authorities, gamers’ unions and a few golf equipment and gamers for him to go.

Sevilla was one of many first Spanish golf equipment to say publicly in an announcement that Rubiales can not stay accountable for Spanish soccer.

Girona gained 2-1 with Aleix García scoring the 56th-minute winner, dealing Sevilla its fourth defeat in as many video games.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Osasuna, Valencia, Celta Vigo, Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol are additionally among the many golf equipment who’ve sided with the federal government, which has requested a court docket to have Rubiales deemed unfit to carry his workplace.

Rubiales defended his actions on Friday, saying the kiss was “consensual.” Hermoso mentioned that was false and he or she felt assaulted.

Cadiz drew with 10-man Almeria 1-1 after Almeria defender Kaiky scored in stoppage time.

Also, Granada beat Mallorca 3-2 at residence for the promoted membership’s first win.