“It’s a Shame” – After Megan Rapinoe Found an ‘Ally’ in Barcelona Boss Xavi, 39YO Legend Andres Iniesta Lashes at Spanish FA Boss for Kissing Scandal

Spanish soccer has, perhaps, got its equivalent of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. The country has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Spain’s historic exploits of winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup have been overshadowed by Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales’ inappropriate behavior. The Spanish FA boss appeared to grab player Jenni Hermoso and kiss her. Rubiales has since received severe backlash globally.

Soccer players past and present, both women and men, have called for his resignation after the incident. USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe cited his behavior to be steeped in “misogyny and sexism” and lashed out in the media after the incident. Rapinoe also found an “ally” in current Barcelona boss Xavi who released his statement about the scandal. Now, Xavi’s former midfield partner Andres Iniesta has released a statement of his own.

Andres Iniesta comments about Rubiales kissing scandal

According to this tweet on X by Football_Tweet, Iniesta said, “After what has happened this week, I would like to convey my sadness.As a person, as the father of three daughters, as a husband and as a footballer, in the face of the events that we are experiencing in our football and around the Spanish women’s team.”

‘I believe that we cannot tolerate performances like the ones we have seen.Which have tarnished a milestone as big as winning a World Cup,’ he added.

Further echoing the mood amongst the Spanish women’s national team, Iniesta expressed, “I cannot imagine the feeling that all the players of the national team must have right now seeing how they are not talking about the great tournament they had and the fantastic football they taught us all.”

Calling Rubiales’ actions “a shame” the Spain World Cup winner added, ‘It’s a shame that a beautiful story that many players have built over so many years has become dirty. Instead, we have had to put up with a president who has held on to his position.Who has not admitted that his behavior has been unacceptable.’

“And that it is damaging the image of our country and our football around the world,” Iniesta added.

39-year-old Andres Iniesta has won it all as a player. The Spanish midfielder is one of the greats of the modern game. So when such a revered figure in Spanish soccer makes such a statement, it holds very high regard. It also calls for collective support from the global soccer fraternity.

Also read: “No Place in the World of Sport”: Lakers Legend Condemns Undignified Acts of Spanish Football President Luis Rubiales With a Powerful Statement

Megan Rapinoe and other sports stars stand in solidarity against Rubiales’ actions

Several public figures like Megan Rapinoe and Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian have condemned the incident. They have also been very vocal about it.

And as per latest reports, Spain and Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has stated that he will refuse to play for the Spanish national side until action is taken against Rubiales.

It’s certainly a blemish on what was otherwise a significant achievement and moment for women’s soccer in Spain. The media frenzy is set to result in a resignation from the 46-year-old Rubiales; this comes a week after the incident. Which further shows that such things need to be “kicked out” of soccer.