Surprising developments at the Spanish football federation gathering
In a striking moment during a tense meeting, the head of Spain’s football federation insisted he would not step down. He described a kiss involving a national team player as spontaneous, mutual, and euphoric, sparking immediate debate across the sports world.
The revelation created a sensation in Spain, coming as many expected the federation’s president to announce his resignation at the Extraordinary General Assembly. Instead, he remained firmly in place, signaling that he would not leave his post willingly, even as criticism mounted from various corners of the sport and public life.
Following the award ceremony for the Spanish women’s national team, champions of the World Cup with triumphs abroad, the federation president delivered a performance that drew both applause and strong reactions. He asserted that there was no intention to resign in light of the kiss, arguing that the moment was spontaneous and enjoyed by those present, including the player and her teammates.
Full statements attributed to the federation president
- Initial greeting: He thanked the football community and supporters who attended, noting that the body that elected him deserved explanations and acknowledging mixed reactions from those outside football as well.
- On the box incident: He apologized for the events in the box, describing a moment of euphoria in which emotions ran high. He referenced a public figure and relationships within the federation, emphasizing that his emotions overwhelmed him and he lost control briefly. He apologized sincerely and rejected any justification for the behavior.
- The kiss to the player: He described the kiss as occurring in front of about 80,000 people, including his family. He asserted there was no sexual desire or power imbalance, insisting it was spontaneous and mutual. He recalled the moment as a shared laugh and a moment of celebration among teammates, insisting there was no intent to demean anyone. He emphasized strong relationships within the team and recalled supportive moments from the World Cup, insisting that the team’s success was a team effort.
- Pressure and opposition: He claimed that certain powerful individuals would be unhappy with his presence. He advised his daughters to learn a lesson in equality and to distinguish truth from lies, defending the actions he has taken and challenging those who criticize him. He accused some of engaging in sensationalism or mislabeling events and declared his readiness to defend himself publicly if needed.
- Freedom and public life: He spoke about the need to improve wages, housing, and health care, but also freedoms. He described a climate of pressure within the federation and urged people not to vote for actions that undermine the federation’s mission. He mentioned receiving messages urging resilience and stressed that those pressures shape public perception.
- Decision to stay: He stated that resigning had not been offered as a simple option, arguing that the pursuit of him was part of a broader effort to remove him. He expressed a desire to follow the law and hinted at a continued commitment to the federation, asking whether leaving would be a reasonable response to what he faced.
- Critique of the press: He accused some outlets of not pursuing the truth and questioned media freedom. He argued that certain campaigns existed without justice or accuracy and claimed that federation funds had not been misused, asserting transparency and correct governance.
- Long-term plans for Vilda: He recalled emotional moments from the federation’s achievements and affirmed support for Jorge Vilda to remain in his role for the next four years, highlighting the coach’s value to women’s football and recognizing the workload and dedication involved.
- Closing remarks: He apologized for any mistakes and expressed weariness from the ongoing scrutiny. He said he would rest with his family for a few days and hoped justice would keep moving forward. He assured that truth would prevail and thanked those who stood by him, promising to remain steadfast in the face of pressure.
The information above reflects the statements reported during the session and public remarks surrounding the event.