Jenni Hermoso makes strong statement against Luis Rubiales

Jennifer Hermoso has finally released a full official statement outlining her position on the 'Rubiales case'. The Spanish national team player, through a post on her personal Twitter account, has made it clear that she publicly condemns the actions of the president of the RFEF, who kissed her forcibly on Sunday.

"After achieving one of the most desired successes of my sporting career and after a few days of reflection, I want to give my heartfelt thanks to my teammates, fans, followers, media and all of you who have made this dream come true; your work and unconditional support have been a fundamental part of winning the World Cup.

In reference to what happened today. While it is true that I do not want to interfere with the multiple legal processes underway, I feel obliged to denounce that the words of Mr. Luis Rubiales explaining the unfortunate incident are categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he has generated.

I clarify that at no time did the conversation to which Mr. Luis Rubiales referred take place and that, far from it, his kiss was consensual. In the same way, I would like to reiterate, as I did at the time, that this was not to my liking.

The situation caused me a shock due to the context of the celebration, and as time went by and after delving a little deeper into those first feelings, I felt the need to denounce this event, as I believe that no person, in any work, sporting or social environment, should be a victim of this type of non-consensual behaviour. I felt vulnerable and a victim of aggression, an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part.

I was asked to make a joint statement to reduce the pressure on the president, but at that moment in my mind I only had the idea of enjoying the historic milestone achieved together with my teammates. That's why, at all times, I told the RFEF and its various interlocutors, as well as the media and people I trusted, that I would not make any kind of individual or joint statement on this matter, as I understood that, if I did, it would take even more attention away from such a special moment for my teammates and for me.

Despite my decision, I have to say that I have been under continuous pressure to come up with a statement that could justify the act of Mr. Luis Rubiales. Not only that, but in different ways and through different people, the RFEF has pressured my entourage (family, friends, colleagues, etc.) to give a testimony that had little or nothing to do with my feelings. 

It is not for me to evaluate communication and integrity practices but I am sure that as a World Champion National Team we do not deserve a manipulative, hostile and controlling culture. This type of incident joins a long list of situations that we players have been denouncing in recent years, so this incident, in which I have been involved, is just the last straw and what everyone has been able to see, but attitudes like this have been part of the daily life of our national team for years. 

For all these reasons, I want to reinforce the position I took from the beginning, considering that I do not have to support the person who has committed this action against my will, without respecting me, at a historic moment for me and for women's sport in this country. 

In no case can it be my responsibility to assume the consequences of transmitting something I do not believe in, which is why I have refused the pressure I have been put under.

ZERO TOLERANCE with such behaviour.

I want to close by making it very clear that although I am the one expressing these words, it is all the players in Spain and the world who have given me the strength to come out with this statement. Faced with such a show of disrespect and inability to recognise my own mistakes and assume the consequences, I have taken the decision not to return to play for the national team as long as the current leadership continues.

Thank you all for your messages of support and words of encouragement. I know I am not alone and thanks to all of you we will move forward more united. I leave this to the people I trust TMJ and FUTPRO and they will continue to work on the next steps in light of recent events.

#SeAcabo (It's over).

Jenni Hermoso