Everyone stands with Jenni Hermoso: The viral response following the World Cup Final
Players and fans have shown their support for World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso after she was kissed on the lips by Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation. It's been a social media avalanche, making "we are Jenni" a trending topic!
Jennifer Hermoso is one of the veterans of the female Spanish national team. Currently 33, Jenni cashed in a World Cup in one of her last appearances with the national team.
Although she missed a penalty during the final against Sweden, she is a team leader with a huge impact on the team.
During the World Cup Final ceremony, Luis Rubiales grabbed and kissed Jenni Hermoso, without consent. This generated a lot of controversy and ultimately caused Rubiales his seat as president of the Spanish Football Federation.
Slogans have been spotted around the world in support of Jenni. In Spain, many people took to the streets prior to the La Liga and Copa de la Reina start, demanding justice.
The shows of support were not just confined to the football pitch!
Luis Rubiales defended himself publically during an extraordinary assembly of the Spanish Football Federation, claiming he would not quit.
The 46-year-old labeled the incident as "mutual, euphoric, and consensual".
Luis Rubiales was provisionally suspended by FIFA. Now he awaits a decision from the TAD and the Spanish Government.
Due to the international scandal, the Spanish government has been applying external pressure on the Spanish Football Federation to force Rubiales into quitting.
Yolanda Diaz, vice president and leader of the political party Sumar has been applying constant pressure from Congress, in order to speed up the resignation process.
Rubiales's confronting attitude and insistence over the incident have overshadowed Spain's win, however, this has sparked conversations revolving around women's football.
Before the Sevilla-Girona fixture last weekend, Sevilla players jumped onto the pitch wearing shirts reading "It's over", referring to Rubiales.
AC Milan players came out on the pitch with wristbands backing Hermoso stating, "contigo Jenni" ("with you Jenni")
The kissing scandal has spread beyond Spain, with protests regarding Rubiales happening all around the world. NJ/NY Gotham players held up a sign stating "with you Jenni" ahead of their match against Racing Louisville.
In Mexico, Club de Futbol Pachuca had their players pose with a sign declaring their support for Jenni Hermoso.
The Spanish Football Federation must take action. The scandal has damaged Spanish football beyond repair. The question is, will Spain still be able to host the 2030 World Cup?