In a speech outside the church in the southern town of Motril, Rubiales’s mother and cousin urged the player, Jenni Hermoso, to “tell the truth.”
In order to support her son, who is facing criticism for kissing a player during the most recent Women’s World Cup awards ceremony, the mother of the president of the Spanish football federation has begun a hunger fast in a church in southern Spain.
Luis Rubiales’ mother, Angeles Béjar, told the state news agency EFE that she would continue her hunger strike “night and day” until a solution to her son’s “bloody and inhumane hounding” was found.
In a speech outside the church in the southern town of Motril, Rubiales’s mother and cousin urged the player, Jenni Hermoso, to “tell the truth.” In addition to saying that the family was going through a lot, she called Rubiales “a beautiful person.”
Following the kiss, which many saw as a form of sexual abuse, Rubiales faced a barrage of condemnation. The event took place last Sunday in Sydney, Australia, at the medal ceremony following the final.
Rubiales also made a winning gesture earlier in the celebrations while in the presidential box and near to the queen of Spain and her teenage princess daughter.
He was given a 90-day provisional suspension by FIFA, the governing body of football, on Saturday after he made a combative address and refused to resign.
Spain is hopeful that the nation’s sports tribunal would permanently remove him.
Rubiales claimed on Saturday that Hermoso had agreed to the “mutual” kiss. Hermoso responded in two remarks, claiming both to be untrue and that she had been the victim of a misuse of authority. She further claimed that the federation was attempting to persuade her to back Rubiales. In response, the federation declared that she was lying and threatened to sue her.
The incident has stirred up controversy both in and outside of Spain.
The prosecutor’s office in Spain announced on Monday that it will get in touch with the athlete to let her know she has 15 days to get in touch with them so they may explain her legal options should she decide to file a complaint as a purported victim of sexual assault.
In order to remove Rubiales and alter how equality concerns are handled in Spanish football, acting deputy PM Yolanda Daz met with leaders of the football union.
Following FIFA’s interim suspension of its president, the Spanish football federation was scheduled to meet with other regional federations to discuss next moves. Later on Monday, a demonstration against Rubiales was scheduled to take place in Madrid.
