The stars of Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup victory soaked up the sunshine as they enjoyed a well-deserved break from their success.
La Roja broke England’s heart on the final whistle at Stadium Australia on Sunday and won their first world crown with captain Olga Carmona’s first-half goal.
Sadly, much of the talk following their triumph focused on the actions of Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who grabbed Spain’s all-time leading scorer Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips as the team collected their medals.
The unwelcome move was the latest in a long string of questionable actions by the FA before and after the tournament.
But on Wednesday, Hermoso revealed via an Instagram story that some of the squad had retired to Ibiza to relax and bask in the sun after their triumph.
Spain striker Jenni Hermoso (right) escapes controversy surrounding the actions of FA chairman Luis Rubiales
Alexia Putellas (middle left), Hermoso (back turned) and Aisa Rodríguez (far right) take a moment on the yacht during the festivities in Ibiza
Hermoso revealed the squad members retreated to Ibiza to celebrate the historic victory
Putellas (left) and Rodríguez (right) relax while their teammates take a dip in the water
Hermoso, who scored three times in the tournament, can be seen doing his best to stay in the air on a paddleboard.
Meanwhile, double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, freshly disappointed not to have started the final, relaxes on the yacht among her teammates.
Stopper Misa Rodriguez, who has competed three times in the Spanish race, is also spotted on the lavish vessel.
Spain became the second nation after Germany to win the FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup. And managed to do so without several of its key players due to deep disagreements with football authorities.
Head coach Jorge Vilda has selected just three of the 15 players who initially refused to play if he remains in charge, leaving out Barcelona trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina as well as Barcelona goalkeeper Atlético Madrid Lola Gollardo.
The president of the Spanish Federation, Luis Rubiales, was charged on Wednesday with sexual assault.
As for Sunday’s incident, Rubiales, who reluctantly apologized despite initially defending his behavior, was called to resign and was charged with sexual assault.
He also grabbed her crotch, which was described by American legend Megan Rapinoe as a “signal of a deep level of misogyny and sexism”, who insisted her kiss was a “physical assault”.
Spanish football chief Miguel Ángel Galán also filed a complaint with the Madrid public prosecutor’s office and the state attorney general’s office, alleging that Rubiales’ actions constituted sexual assault.
Young midfielder Maria Perez (left), who made just one appearance for Spain, was also in the party in Ibiza with Cata Coll (right)
Hermoso insisted she didn’t like being kissed by Rubiales on the medal podium
Spain became the second nation to win the FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup.
On Wednesday, Rubiales was rocked by new damaging allegations about his behavior.
As Spanish newspaper El Confidencial reports, Rubiales is now accused of taking a Mexican woman on a six-day vacation to New York.
He also allegedly harassed and humiliated a colleague, who claimed to have asked him questions about the color of his underwear and about wearing “knee pads” during meetings where they worked together.
El Confidencial reports that he heard dozens of audio messages that prove that a Mexican, painter, with whom Rubiales had a close relationship, was hired at DDP SL, after having also worked in the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE ) when Rubiales was president. They also confirm that the couple traveled together to Manhattan, New York.
Former colleague Tamara Ramos Cruz has accused Rubiales, 46, of constant harassment at work and said he asked her what color of underwear she was wearing in front of Spanish players Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas and Sergio Busquets. Mail Sport has contacted the Spanish FA for comment.
