On Monday evening, Spain’s men’s team captain Alvaro Morata read a statement on behalf of the entire squad that said that Luis Rubiales’ behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final had been “unacceptable”.
He said the players were “firmly and clearly on the side of the values that Spanish football represents — respect, inspiration, equality and diversity”.
However, according to sources familiar with the situation, speaking to The Athletic anonymously to protect their positions, some squad members did not believe it was important to issue any statement, and some staff at the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) attempted to have criticism of Rubiales’ actions in Sydney watered down.
Asked whether there had been any interference before the statement was issued, an RFEF source told The Athletic that they had no comment to make, but they were in agreement with the words of the players.
None of the 24 players called up by coach Luis de la Fuente for this week’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Georgia and Cyprus had previously commented since Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, made inappropriate physical contact with various Spain and England players, and grabbed his crotch while celebrating the final victory on August 20.
Many of those players who arrived at the…
