Betis Striker Iglesias Takes Stand: Quits Spanish National Team Until Chief Rubiales Resigns

Spanish Football Chief Luis Rubiales Refuses to Step Down Amid Controversy; Betis Striker Borja Iglesias Takes a Stand

In a week marked by intense criticism, Luis Rubiales, the head of Spanish football, staunchly declined to resign on Friday. The criticism was sparked by an unsolicited kiss on the lips that Rubiales gave to player Jenni Hermoso in the aftermath of Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph.

Rubiales, with determination in his voice, declared at an emergency meeting of the football federation, “I will not step down, I will not step down, I will not step down. Can a consensual ‘peck’ be enough to force me out of here? I will fight this battle until the very end.”

The fallout from the incident prompted a chorus of disappointment from notable figures such as David de Gea, Iker Casillas, and La Liga president Javier Tebas, who expressed their dismay with Rubiales through social media.

Meanwhile, Borja Iglesias, a striker for Betis, took a decisive stance in response. He announced on Twitter that he has opted to distance himself from the Spanish national team until Rubiales relinquishes his role.

“I feel saddened and let down. As a footballer and as an individual, I don’t feel that my values align with what transpired today at the Ciudad del Futbol de Las Rozas, which is the headquarters of the Spanish FA,” expressed Iglesias. He expressed disappointment that the focus is continuing to revolve around a fellow colleague, Rubiales.

Wearing the jersey of the Spanish National Team holds a special place in my heart as one of the most cherished moments of my career. While I’m unsure whether I’ll be considered in the future, I’ve made the firm decision not to return to the National Team until we witness a change and such actions are met with appropriate consequences,” he articulated on Twitter.

His final message emphasized his desire for a more just, compassionate, and honorable football atmosphere, concluding, “For a football that embodies fairness, humanity, and dignity.” Iglesias, who has participated in only two games for the Spanish team, had been part of Luis de la Fuente’s selections for upcoming matches.