LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJ) – Real Madrid and Spain defender Dani Carvajal has strongly criticized Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for his inappropriate behavior during the Women’s World Cup.
Carvajal, who is currently on international duty with La Roja for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Georgia and Cyprus, joined a growing chorus of voices condemning Rubiales for his actions at the Women’s World Cup.
Rubiales had kissed Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s victory over England in the tournament.
Spain’s men’s captains, including Alvaro Morata, Cesar Azpilicueta, Rodri, and Marco Asensio, had already issued a statement denouncing Rubiales’s behavior.
Carvajal added his perspective to the matter, expressing his disappointment with Rubiales’s actions during what should have been a celebratory moment.
“I want to make a reference to the statement we issued yesterday as a group. Our president’s behavior was not in line with what a president should exhibit during a celebration.”
READ ALSO: Spain Women’s Coach Vilda Sacked After Rubiales Scandal
Carvajal told reporters. “He engaged in a couple of actions that were inappropriate for the occasion and for a president.
“All of this has generated significant media attention, and it’s regrettable that it has overshadowed the achievement of the women’s team.”
When asked why Jenni Hermoso wasn’t mentioned in the captains’ statement, Carvajal explained further, saying, “What we reject is what I just described—those inappropriate gestures by the president.
“It’s regrettable that it has tainted or overshadowed the world title because it’s a significant accomplishment for our football. It hasn’t been good for the image of Spanish sports.”
In the aftermath of Rubiales’s actions, there have been notable developments. Jorge Vilda, the manager of the World Cup-winning women’s team, who had faced a player mutiny before the tournament and had been applauded by Rubiales during a speech in which he refused to resign, has been dismissed.
He was replaced by Montse Tome, making her the first-ever female head coach appointed by Spain.
The RFEF has issued an apology to the football community, acknowledging the enormous damage done to Spanish football by Rubiales’s actions. They have pledged to refocus the spotlight on their triumphant women’s team.
Spain’s victorious women’s team is set to return to action under Montse Tome on 22 September against Sweden in the Women’s Nations League.
