MADRID (AP) — Record scorer Jenni Hermoso, who has been leading the fight against sexism in Spanish soccer, is no longer on the national team after being kissed on the lips by former federation president Luis Rubiales during the Women’s World Cup final. The team’s former manager, Jorge Vilda, also reportedly engaged in similar behavior. The players decided to go because they felt he routinely invaded their privacy.
Wilda coached Spain Women’s World Cup Winner They defeated England 1-0 in the final last August. he was fired after just a few weeksAs anger grows, Rubiales kisses Hermoso without his consent During the award ceremony.
In an interview with Spanish television station Cuatro’s Planeta Calleja broadcast on Friday, Hermoso said there was some anxiety when the players were gathered at the hotel.
“When I went to bed, I had to leave the door open and wait for (Wilda) to come and talk to me,” Hermoso said. “He said it was because it was the only moment he could talk to us privately.”
She added that she was also bothered by Wilda’s habit of asking players what they had brought with them when they returned from an outing at the hotel.
The full interview will be broadcast on Monday.
Shortly after he was fired in September, Wilda said in an interview with Cadena SER Radio that he had never acted inappropriately and considered his termination unfair.
“I have always had the utmost respect for the players and everyone I have coached and worked with,” he said.
Spanish players have previously expressed what they consider to be unprofessional or inappropriate behavior surrounding the team, with many refusing to continue playing under Wilda in September 2022. He was trying to force them to change. The Spanish Football Federation, led by Rubiales at the time, supported Wilda. Many players did not return Deliver it to your team in time to win the World Cup.
Rubiales withdrew after folding under enormous pressure.he is like this now Investigation by a Spanish court Hermoso sexually assaulted her and accused her of trying to coerce him into publicly supporting her after the kiss. He denies any wrongdoing. Mr. Wilda is also being questioned by a judge on suspicion of pressuring Mr. Hermoso to support Mr. Rubiales.
Hermoso, 33, the Spanish women’s team’s record scorer, became something of a celebrity in Spain after she came forward to condemn the kiss and help promote the game. “Me Too” movement in the country’s sports world.
Hermoso recently announced that he will be playing for Mexican club Tigres following a stint at rivals Pachuca.
Wilda then signed on to coach the Moroccan women’s team.
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