The current Spanish captaincy acknowledged the conduct of the suspended RFEF president as unacceptable, emphasizing a clear boundary between personal actions and the integrity of the game.
On Monday, the captains of the Spain national team voiced their stance against Luis Rubiales, the suspended head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Alvaro Morata spoke on behalf of the group, stating, “We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behavior by Mr Rubiales, who has failed to adhere to the office he represents.” The moment underscored a commitment to uphold the federation’s values even as leadership questions persisted.
RUBIALES, COLLECTOR OF SCANDALS
Morata was tasked with delivering the official message of the La Roja captains, a responsibility he shared with César Azpilicueta, Rodrigo Hernández, and Marco Asensio, who remain among the top figures in the national team. The quartet drew a firm line separating the team from Rubiales’ conduct, urging focus on the sport and highlighting a historic milestone achieved by Spain’s women’s side at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The national team’s members stood in contrast to Rubiales: “He did not represent the institution well.”
Morata and La Roja’s captains labeled the suspended RFEF president’s behavior as unacceptable and called for unity in pursuing the sport’s positive agenda. The moment was shared widely on social media, with the soccer community noting the tension between leadership controversies and the team’s aspirations.
— GOAL Spain (@GoalEspana) September 4, 2023
That is the statement read by Morata
“Once concentrated in Las Rozas, the players of the national team want to highlight several issues related to the latest events that have damaged the image of Spanish football:
-First of all, we would like to once again convey our pride and our most sincere congratulations to the women’s national team for the title of World Champion in Sydney. A historic milestone full of significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football and inspire many women with an invaluable triumph. For this reason, we want to express our solidarity with the players who have seen their success tarnished.
-We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behavior on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has failed to comply with the institution he represents.
-We are firmly and clearly on the side of the values that sport represents. Spanish football must be an engine of respect, inspiration, inclusiveness and diversity, setting an example through its behavior both on and off the pitch.
-From today we face a decisive concentration for the future of Spanish football on the way to qualifying for Euro 2024 with two games against Georgia and Cyprus. We would like to be able to focus on sports issues from now on, given the relevance of the challenges ahead.
Note: This statement reflects a united stance from the national team leaders, who prioritized the sport’s reputation and the continuity of competitive momentum over internal disputes. The message aimed to reassure fans and stakeholders that the team remains dedicated to performance, teamwork, and the broader mission of Spanish football on the international stage.
Attribution: (Goal)