USWNT star Alex Morgan, Spain’s 2010 World Cup winner Iker Casillas, and Barcelona FC have united in condemning Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales. Outrage has erupted after Rubiales refused to step down following backlash for his inappropriate behavior towards Jenni Hermoso.

The incident unfolded when Rubiales forcibly grabbed and kissed Hermoso after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Players globally are joining the chorus of criticism against Rubiales, who defiantly rejected calls for his resignation. In a controversial move, he labeled the criticism as “false feminism,” triggering more backlash. Supporters of Hermoso are flooding social media platforms in solidarity.

“I’m disgusted by the public actions of Luis Rubiales. I stand by Jenni Hermoso and the Spanish players. Winning a World Cup should be one of the best moments in these players’ lives but instead it’s overshadowed by assault, misogyny and failures by the Spanish federation,” Alex Morgan wrote on X (formerly called Twitter).

“There are limits that cannot be crossed and we cannot tolerate this. We are with you partner,” said 2023 World Cup champion and Golden Ball winner Aitana Bonmati.

Former Spain goalkeeper and 2010 World Cup winner Iker Casillas: “We should be these, (in the last) five days be talking about our girls! About the joy they gave us all! Of boasting a title that we didn’t have in women’s soccer.”

“FC Barcelona wishes to make it clear that it considers the actions of the president of the RFEF during the celebration of the Women’s World Cup to be totally inappropriate and unfortunate,” Barcelona said.

Real Madrid said: “Our club fully supports the decision taken by Victor Francos, the president of the Spanish Sports Council, who will immediately refer this case to the Administrative Sports Court.”

Ballon d’Or winner and 2023 World Cup champion Alexia Putellas: “This is unacceptable. It is over. With you partner Jenni Hermoso.”

England women’s national team issued a statement read: “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth. The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment. We all stand with you, Jenni Hermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”