Despite Serena Williams’ Husband and Megan Rapinoe’s Support, Legal Trouble Awaits World Cup Winner After Kissing Scandal

Shortly after winning the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Spain saw themselves getting into a major controversy. The Spaniard’s debut World Cup victory was marred by the Spanish Federation President’s misconduct against Jenni Hermoso. The whole incident is drawing global condemnation, with Megan Rapinoe among the prominent voices. But now, the Spanish player herself is set to face legal trouble.

Numerous female soccer icons have turned to social media to rally behind Hermoso. In fact, a few male players also spoke up, with Borja Iglesias ruling himself out of selection for the men’s national team. Aside from Rapinoe, Serena Williams’ husband also supported the cause. Yet, the World Cup winner is on a legal lookout.

World Cup champion faces impending legal woes

The soccer world is currently busy with Jenni Hermoso’s feud with RFEF president Luis Rubiales. Earlier, Hermoso made a statement about Rubiales, saying, “I want to clarify that, as seen in the images, at no time did I consent to the kiss that he gave me and of course, in no case did I seek to lift up the president.” However, according to Athletic, this didn’t settle well with RFEF, who are threatening the World Cup winner with a legal action.

They even released a statement along with four photos of Hermoso and Rubiales embracing, saying, “The evidence is conclusive. Mr. President has not lied. The RFEF and Mr. President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself. The RFEF and the president, given the seriousness of the content of the press.”

Everyone is urging Rubiales to step down from his position after he kissed Hermoso on the lips and grabbed his crotch in celebration. Interestingly, even FIFA has suspended him from any football-related involvement for 90 days during an ongoing investigation. Although he apologized for his lewd action, he insisted the kiss was consensual. Yet, his words aren’t settling with the soccer world as they continue to demand his resignation.

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Indeed, it seems the matter won’t settle this easily. Both RFEF and Hermoso are keen to keep their sides ahead. Nevertheless, let’s hear what Rapinoe had to say about the incident.

Megan Rapinoe rallies for Hermoso

In a recent interview, Rapinoe called out Rubiales for misogyny and sexism. She wasn’t satisfied with the behavior of the president. She expressed her happiness by saying, “you’re bye,” and “root ’em all out!” after reports came out that Rubiales agreed to resign. However, following a meeting with RFEF, Rubiales declined as asked, stating he did nothing wrong.

The incident has come to an extent where all the players of La Furia Roja have even decided not to play for the national team again. Interestingly, when Borja Iglesias also jumped on the bandwagon, Rapinoe urged other men’s players to support the cause by saying “And who’s next? Let’s go boys.” Indeed, the Hermoso continues to garner global support while Rubiales stands his ground.

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