Jenni Hermoso: Players union calls for action after World Cup winner kissed by Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales

The union that represents Jenni Hermoso has called for action after the forward was kissed by Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win against England.

Cameras caught the incident as Spanish players celebrated their victory on the pitch in Sydney.

Rubiales later apologised and admitted he “made a mistake”, in comments Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said showed “there is still a long way to go for equality.”

“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture,” Sanchez said.

“Rubiales' apologies are not enough, I even think they are not adequate. He has to continue taking steps to clarify what we all saw.”

Hermoso has now released a statement via FUTPRO, the union which represents female footballers in Spain.

It said: “My union, FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency, TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter.”

FUTPRO has also condemned Rubiales’ actions and called for the Spanish Football Federation to take action.

“We ask the RFEF to implement the necessary protocols and to ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures,” a statement read.

“It is essential that our national team is represented by figures that project its values of equality and respect in all areas.

“It is necessary to continue advancing in the fight for equality, a fight that our female players have led with determination, bringing us to the position we are in today.”

RFEF has called a general assembly on Friday to discuss the incident “as a matter of urgency”.

Rubiales was also criticised for his actions towards other players and was caught on camera grabbing his groin at the final whistle, with the Spanish Players’ Association (AFE) and Liga B calling for his resignation.

FIFPRO, the global association that represents all professional footballers, also released a statement backing the AFE.

It read: “FIFPRO fully endorses the statement of the AFE in calling for immediate action to address the conduct of Rubiales at the final and is requesting an investigation of his actions under FIFA's code of ethics.

“We reiterate that it was deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain team taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility.

“Uninitiated and uninvited physical approaches towards players are not appropriate of acceptable in any context, and especially not when they are put in a position of vulnerability by a person who holds a position of power over them in their workplace.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media