Barcelona's Xavi supports Jenni Hermoso and slams 'unacceptable' Luis Rubiales

Barcelona coach Xavi at a press conference in 2022.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has offered his 'unconditional support' to Jenni Hermoso and her Spain team-mates in the ongoing row with the Spanish Football Federation and has condemned the 'unacceptable' behaviour of RFEF president Luis Rubiales.

Spain won the Women's World Cup last Sunday with victory over England in Sydney, but their win has been overshadowed by controversy after Rubiales kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations.

Pressure has been growing on Rubiales to stand down, but the 46-year-old vowed he would not resign in a defiant speech on Friday.

He has now been suspended from all football activity by FIFA and seems unlikely to return to his role after widespread criticism from across the game and later on Saturday, Xavi began his press conference by addressing the controversial manner.

"I would like to give my opinion on [what is happening] with women's football and the Federation," he said.

"Firstly, my unconditional support for Jenni and all the players. Secondly, I condemn the behaviour of the RFEF president, which I find unacceptable. I also want to express my sadness that it has taken away from the title and the fact that we are only talking about conduct, which is insufferable."

Xavi was asked a number of other questions about Rubiales and stopped short of calling for his resignation.

"I'm not getting into that," he said. "But I have been clear and concise. We have to support Jenni and the other players."

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Barcelona had hoped to bring back Lionel Messi this summer and president Joan Laporta revealed he had been 'very close' to a return before joining Inter Miami.

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Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.