Reports suggest that Jenni Hermoso, the Women’s World Cup captain for Spain, has withdrawn from the public eye and is currently surrounded by her family and closest friends in the midst of the kissing scandal surrounding the World Cup.
The Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissed her on the lips as she received her winner’s medal, sparking a media storm and accusations of dishonesty from the FA after a video emerged showing her laughing at a meme of the incident.
According to Marca, the 33-year-old has sought refuge in the Spanish capital among her loved ones, maintaining contact with her representatives, MKT Jersey, and the players’ association, FUTPRO.
The union’s lawyers are reportedly considering whether Hermoso should file a complaint of sexual assault with Spain’s National Court, which has already initiated an investigation into Rubiales.
Hermoso has been advised to avoid answering calls and using social media as she contemplates a return to her club side, Mexican outfit Pachuca.
Despite the controversy, she is eager to resume playing as soon as possible, potentially appearing in Pachuca’s next game against Mazatlan on September 5, depending on the fallout from the surfaced video.
Rubiales has submitted new footage to FIFA showing the women’s football team celebrating and laughing about the kiss, aiming to vindicate himself. A source close to him highlighted Hermoso’s laughter at the meme and questioned her delayed complaint and subsequent joking with teammates.
Rubiales recently made a public appearance to escort his ill mother from the hospital, who had been on a hunger strike in support of him despite his 90-day FIFA suspension.
