Spain international Borja Iglesias has ruled out the possibility of representing his country again while Luis Rubiales remains in his current position.
The Spanish media had widely reported on Thursday evening that Rubiales was about to stand down at an extraordinary general assembly of the Spanish federation (RFEF) on Friday.
FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against him on Thursday, after he grabbed his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory over England despite being just metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter in the stadium VIP area.
He then kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the medal and trophy presentation, something she later admitted on social media she ‘didn’t like it’.’
Rubiales apologised for his behaviour in the VIP area, but insisted in his speech on Friday that the Hermoso kiss was ‘spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual’.
He said he had been the target of a ‘social assassination’ and repeatedly and emphatically stated ‘I will not resign’, words which drew applause from the gathered delegates.
Rubiales’ defiant stance prompted fresh calls for the Spanish government to take action, while world players’ union FIFPRO said UEFA – for whom Rubiales is an executive committee member and vice-president – must open disciplinary proceedings.
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And his position now looks increasingly untenable with Real Betis star Borja, capped twice in the last 12 months, refusing to play for La Roja until the matter is resolved.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘I am sad and disappointed.
‘As a footballer and as a person I don’t feel represented by what happened today in the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas. I find it unfortunate that they continue to press and focus on a colleague.
‘Wearing the Spanish National Team shirt is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my career. I don’t know if at some point I will be an option again, but I have made the decision not to return to the National Team until things change and this type of act does not go unpunished.’
But perhaps the most damning response of all came from Barcelona star Alex Alexia Putellas, who posted on Twitter: ‘This is unacceptable. It’s over. With you my team-mate @Jennihermoso.’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked whether the controversy over Rubiales had overshadowed Spain’s World Cup success.
‘Hopefully it doesn’t because I’m extremely proud of what they (the players) have done,’ he said at a press conference on Friday.
‘The whole country is, but I don’t have the full details so I cannot comment on what happened today. But it is sad that this is happening while everyone should be celebrating and be extremely proud of what they’ve done.’
Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique, who coached Spain’s men’s team at last year’s World Cup in Qatar, said Rubiales’ work as FA president had been ‘exceptional’, adding: ‘The statistics are there to see so he has done brilliantly.
‘As for what happened in the last game, the president has admitted his mistake so I don’t have to offer my opinion.’
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