The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) released an official statement after a night that stretched past midnight. The federation asserted that it presented visual material as evidence to counter the claims made by Jenni Hermoso and FUTPRO, aiming to demonstrate that its president Luis Rubiales was not lying.
The day that began with the Extraordinary Meeting at Ciudad del Fútbol culminated in the RFEF’s definitive statement regarding Hermoso and FUTPRO, addressing the responses and assertions that had circulated earlier in the day.
Earlier in the morning, Rubiales had asserted that his account of the events was accurate. He described an incident in which Hermoso allegedly lifted him off the ground and then left him on the floor after embracing. He also claimed that, at one point, he was kissing Hermoso as part of a celebration, a claim he said had to be understood in the context of the moment and the emotions of that event.
Hermoso, through FUTPRO, stated that she never consented to the kiss and that attempts to influence her training or actions were unwelcome. The federation noted these remarks and emphasized that the matter had been handled with the seriousness it deserved, while insisting that Rubiales had provided a clear account of events.
The RFEF responded with what it described as demonstrable evidence, explaining that the president’s version of events had been corroborated through internal documentation that did not require a direct response from Hermoso to the federation’s inquiries to date. The description of the events was framed around a sequence that included the moment of celebration and the moments leading up to it, as captured in the images released by the federation.
Among the materials presented, the federation included four photographs showing Rubiales with his arms at his sides after the celebration and a caption stating that no force had been used. One of the images appeared to show the heels of the participants lifted, and two others aimed to illustrate movements during the celebration where Hermoso is depicted interacting with Rubiales. The federation asserted that these visuals supported Rubiales’ account and argued that the images provided a decisive view of what transpired.
The federation reiterated its stance that the evidence supported the president’s version and asserted that the case would be supported by appropriate legal action against FUTPRO for alleged misinformation. It expressed disappointment that the federation had not been able to celebrate the World Cup victory openly due to the ongoing controversy and legal concerns, while noting that the matter would be addressed through the proper channels.
In closing, the federation reminded the public that it respects Hermoso and the players’ decisions, including the choice not to return to the national team under the current leadership. It underscored the expectation that all federation members share the commitment to the national team and the broader responsibilities that come with representing the country on the world stage.