Hermoso returns to the Spanish squad
Jenni Hermoso has been selected for the Spanish national team for the first time since the famous kiss following the World Cup final win in August.
The 33-year-old is among national team manager Montse Tomé selected for the national league games against Italy and Switzerland later this month. The Spanish Football Federation has published its squad on its website.
Hermoso was kissed on the mouth by then Spanish football president Luis Rubiales after the World Cup final win against England in Sydney. She has explained that he kissed her without consent, and Rubiales has been charged with sexual assault and coercion.
The scandal completely overshadowed Spain’s first win at the Women’s World Cup and sparked a players’ strike. Rubiales ultimately stepped down from the presidency, and he has been removed from his UEFA and FIFA positions. Also missing was the association’s general secretary, and national team manager Jorge Vilda was sacked.
Hermoso, who currently plays for Pachuca in Mexico, was not selected for the September training session. Tomé explained that he wanted to protect her from the noise.
After crisis meetings and concessions from the Football Association, most of the attacking players lined up as Spain opened the UEFA Nations League with wins over Sweden and Switzerland. Instead, Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro went on strike, and they are not recalled now. (NTB)
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