Hours After Serena Williams’ Husband’s Reaction on Kissing Scandal, Megan Rapinoe Finds an ‘Ally’ in Barcelona Boss Xavi

Soon after securing the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, a dark cloud was cast over Spanish celebrations. Spain’s inaugural World Cup win was tainted by the inappropriate behavior and questionable conduct of the President of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales, towards player Jenni Hermoso.

Both athletes and fans have called out Rubiales asking for his resignation, with Megan Rapinoe being one of the prominent figures expressing disapproval. Evidently, she isn’t alone as she found an ‘ally’ in the form of Barcelona manager, Xavi.

Barcelona boss Xavi rallies alongside Megan Rapinoe

Many are joining the worldwide campaign in support of Hermoso, with Barcelona boss Xavi being the latest addition. During a press conference, the former Spain international vocally expressed his thoughts on the incident. He said, “First of all, I want to give my unconditional support to Jenni Hermoso and the women’s football players for the moments you are living right now. Second, I want to condemn the behavior of the RFEF President, which I find unacceptable.”

“And finally, I want to show my feelings of shame and sadness that we don’t talk about the women’s World Cup, which I think is a historic milestone for our sport, but we talk about this behavior which is intolerable. That said, I hope I have been clear and forceful in my statement,” he concluded. Aside from the soccer fraternity, this speech caught the eye of Megan Rapinoe, who appreciated the 43-year-old’s stance.

The OL Reign star reshared his clip on her Instagram story and wrote, “Ally. Huge platform used for solidarity and equality.” She also wrote, “Bravo Xavi.” Perhaps, the USWNT star was impressed with Xavi’s stance and she also appreciated his efforts to stand in support of the player.

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Interestingly, a couple of other athletes have also voiced their opinions, with Borja Iglesias declaring that he won’t be available for selection in the men’s national team. Apart from Rapinoe, who praised Igleasis’ stance, even the spouse of Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian joined to endorse the movement.

Serena Williams’ husband rallies for Spain’s women’s team

Rubiales’ kissing Jenni Hermoso and holding his crotch after the post-match ceremony is drawing criticism worldwide. Alexis Ohanian, the spouse of tennis legend Serena Williams, also spoke for the cause. He shared Hermoso’s interview remarks on his Instagram, shedding light on the situation. Additionally, FIFA has taken the step to suspend Rubiales from any soccer-related engagements for a period of 90 days while investigation is underway.

Although Rubiales offered an apology for his conduct, he has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the kiss was mutual. In her recent statement, Jenni Hermoso explicitly stated that the kiss was not consensual. But the player is set to get served a legal notice from RFEF.

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