Spanish FA accused of doctoring Hermoso statement as kissing scandal rages on

The validity of a statement that the Spanish FA put out on behalf of Jennifer Hermoso, absolving Luis Rubiales of any wrongdoing is now being called into question as reports suggest that the RFEF released that declaration without the player's input

The Spanish FA have been accused of releasing a false statement attributed to La Roja star Jennifer Hermoso in a bid to put out the fire caused by its president Luis Rubiales kissing the veteran midfielder on the lips after the World Cup final.

Conflicting Hermoso statements

During the incident in question, RFEF president Rubiales can be seen kissing Hermoso on the lips after Spain secured victory in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the midfielder was heard on an Instagram live video saying, "Hey, I didn't like it [the kiss], but what do I do?”

Following backlash over the incident, another quote was attributed to Hermoso by the RFEF which read, “It was a mutual gesture, totally spontaneous due to the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings. The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.

“People shouldn’t second guess a gesture of friendship and gratitude, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important.”

RFEF-issued statement called into question

The quote was meant to douse the growing flames caused by the controversial kiss, but it did not stop several people and bodies from calling for Rubiales’ resignation.

Worse still, the credibility of the quote has been called into question, with the RFEF accused of releasing the statement on behalf of the player without consulting her.

The Spanish FA have refused to deny or confirm the claims that they doctored the statement attributed to Hermoso, but the player in a recent statement in conjunction with FUTPro has asked that “appropriate measures” be taken against Rubiales.

Rubiales, who is now the subject of a FIFA investigation, could face serious sanctions as pressure mounts on him to resign his position as RFEF president, with a general meeting of the federation set to hold on Friday August 25th.

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