National coach Luis de la Fuente condemned the president’s behavior as wrong and unwarranted, following Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph. After the final, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) vice president and president addressed the situation, with Rubiales expressing hope that relevant authorities would reach decisions promptly.
De la Fuente drew criticism for clapping as Rubiales spoke at an RFEF Extraordinary Board meeting on Friday. He clarified that he would not resign after an incident involving a kiss with striker Jenni Hermoso, describing the affair as spoiled and inappropriate.
In statements to the media regarding the events surrounding the World Cup final and the ensuing commentary, the national team coach issued a clear message about the situation, stating his stance publicly and firmly.
The coach from Haro emphasized that he rejects any act of sexist violence and made it clear there is no room for moderation on such matters. He condemned the president’s behavior toward the federation and its members, noting that the incidents did not follow established protocol for celebratory acts and were not indicative of the values that Spanish football seeks to promote. Rubiales himself has acknowledged the inappropriateness of his conduct, as the coach highlighted.
De la Fuente added that, for the sake of Spanish football, the incident should be resolved swiftly by the appropriate authorities and the necessary decisions should be made without delay.
Expressing personal disappointment, the coach noted that these events have distracted from the historic achievement and the pride it brought to Spanish women’s football. He urged continued progress in education about equality and said the episode should not overshadow the team’s success, a milestone that should be celebrated and remembered both domestically and internationally (Europa Press).