Connect with us

Sports

Luis Rubiales Resigns As President Of Spanish Soccer Federation Amidst Controversy

Published

on

Luis Rubiales

(CTN NEWS) – Luis Rubiales announced his resignation from the role of President of the Spanish Soccer Federation on Sunday, culminating weeks of intense criticism following an unwelcome incident involving Women’s World Cup champion Jennifer Hermoso.

In a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Rubiales stated, “Today, at 9:30 pm, I informed Mr. Pedro Rocha, the interim president, of my decision to resign as President of RFEF.

Furthermore, I have also tendered my resignation from my position in UEFA, allowing for the filling of my Vice-Presidential role.”

He continued, “Persisting in my role and clinging to it would not contribute positively, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish football. Among other reasons, because the higher authorities will prevent my return.”

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed the receipt of Rubiales’ resignation from the leadership of the Spanish football association, along with his resignation from the position of Vice President at UEFA.

In an official statement, the RFEF remarked, “The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirms that Luis M. Rubiales Béjar submitted his resignation tonight. This was communicated to the federation through a letter addressed to Pedro Rocha Junco.

Additionally, he has also stepped down from his role as Vice President of UEFA.”

The federation’s board of directors will now initiate an election process to identify Rubiales’ successor.

Resignation and Reaction: Luis Rubiales Addresses His Departure Amidst Controversy

Rubiales expressed his determination to clear his name, characterizing the situation as “excessive persecution.”

“I maintain my unwavering faith in the truth, and I am committed to doing everything within my control to ensure that it prevails,” he expressed.

“My daughters, my family, and those who care about me have endured the consequences of undue persecution and numerous falsehoods. However, it is becoming increasingly evident in society that the truth is prevailing.”

Rubiales’ unwelcome kiss shared with Hermoso following the Spanish team’s triumph in the Women’s World Cup final on August 20 generated widespread condemnation in Spain and around the world.

The 46-year-old had previously issued an apology and characterized the kiss as “mutual,” a claim that Hermoso contested by stating that she did not give her consent and was not treated with respect.

In response to the incident, FIFA, the global governing body of soccer, provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days while a disciplinary investigation is underway. Pedro Rocha assumed the interim role in his absence.

On Sunday, Spanish authorities swiftly responded to Rubiales’ resignation.

Irene Montero, the Spanish Minister of Equality, succinctly commented on X with the words, “It’s over.”

Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, also took to the platform to say, “The feminist movement is advancing rapidly. The transformation and enhancement of our lives are inevitable. We stand with you, Jenni, and with all women.”

Following Rubiales’ announcement, Hermoso made an appearance in Mexico, representing the team she plays for, CF Pachuca Femenil, in her first match since winning the World Cup.

She received a warm ovation from the crowd before the game, with a prominent mural of her displayed in the stadium.

Hermoso then placed her World Cup medal around her neck and acknowledged the cheering crowd.

“I believe what (Rubiales) did was wrong, and all the attention that should have been directed towards the champions went straight to him. It’s only right that he was removed from his position,” said one fan, Jennifer, during the match, as she spoke with CNN en Español.

Legal Developments in Rubiales’ Case: Allegations Expand Beyond Sexual Assault

Hermoso initially lodged a complaint of sexual assault, but Marta Durantez Gil has now added an accusation of coercion in her submission to the high court.

The forward informed the prosecutor that her family members had been pressured by Rubiales and his “professional entourage” to make statements suggesting that she “justified and approved what happened.”

The court will now be responsible for formally presenting charges against Rubiales.

Prior to the incident, Rubiales had been observed making an inappropriate gesture near Queen Letizia and her daughter while celebrating Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in Sydney.

A judge from the high court will assess the complaint and determine whether to accept or dismiss the request. If accepted, a magistrate will be appointed to lead an investigation, which may ultimately result in a recommendation for the case to go to trial or be dismissed.

Under Spanish law, the charge of sexual assault carries penalties ranging from fines to up to four years in prison.

BBC Madrid correspondent Guy Hedgecoe explained, “The high court often deals with crimes of international scope, such as terrorism or organized crime. In this case, it is involved because Mr. Rubiales is alleged to have committed the assault in Australia.”

Spanish prosecutors initiated a preliminary investigation on August 28 to examine whether the incident constitutes a sexual assault crime.

Spain’s top criminal court explained that it had initiated the investigation due to the “unequivocal nature” of 33-year-old Hermoso’s statements, as it was essential “to determine their legal significance.”

Earlier this month, Spain’s national sports tribunal (TAD) launched a misconduct case against Rubiales, determining that he had committed a “serious offense” by kissing Hermoso.

However, the TAD did not go as far as granting the government’s request for a “very serious offense,” which would have resulted in his suspension.

RELATED CTN NEWS:

AEW Terminates CM Punk’s Contract Following Backstage Incident At All In Event

Djokovic Commences US Open Pursuit, Eyeing 24th Grand Slam Title and World No. 1 Ranking

FIFA Suspends Spanish Soccer Federation President Amid Misconduct Probe

Continue Reading

Sports

Bo Bichette’s Injury may Permanently Sideline him, According to the Latest Update.

Published

on

By

Bo Bichette

(CTN News) – Bo Bichette, the shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, left the game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday after six innings due to a strained right calf.

The game was played against the Tigers. In the end, the Blue Jays were defeated by a score of 5-4 by the opposing team.

Bo Bichette hit a line drive to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning, and it appeared that he injured his calf when he was sprinting to first base. The damage appeared to be caused by the line drive.

The calf that is causing the problem is the same one that Bo Bichette has been experiencing issues with throughout the entire season. After suffering a strain to his right calf fascia on July 10 while playing against the San Francisco Giants, he was forced to sit out the last four games before the All-Star break from the National Football League.

Because of the discomfort in his right calf, he has been out for nine games since then, and he did not return to action until the 24th of June.

Before the trade deadline on July 30, it is very clear that the Blue Jays will be deconstructed for pieces. It is fairly obvious that the Blue Jays have lost any possibility of winning in the American League East, which is a highly competitive division. Additionally, it is pretty certain that they will be disfigured for pieces.

Bo Bichette’s injuries could prevent him from being traded in the future.

However, it is probable that this injury will preclude him from participating in any further trade conversations. Recent trade rumors have stated that Bo Bichette could be a contender for a trade;

However, it is possible that this scenario will not occur. After an MRI was finished on Friday, Bo Bichette was placed on the injured list for a period of ten days. This list will remain in effect until that time.

Bichette will almost definitely be placed on the disabled list for a period of time that is longer than the minimum of ten days, even if the findings of the MRI come back negative. This is because of the recent spate of calf problems that have been occurring.

There is a lack of clarity on whether or not the Blue Jays would have been willing to trade Bo Bichette regardless of the ailment that he was suffering from.

It has been reported that Toronto has informed other clubs that they are not prepared to trade any players who are under their control beyond the year 2024.

Bo Bichette’s contract with the organization ends in 2025.

Additionally, Toronto has informed other teams for this reason. At the beginning of June, it seemed as though the general manager of the Blue Jays, Ross Atkins, was opposed to the concept of trading Bo Bichette while he was still on the team.

Bichette claimed in a recent comment that he would not be “surprised at all” if he were to be traded to a different team. He said this in reference to the possibility of being traded.

His batting average is even worse than it has ever been in his whole career.He has participated in 79 games so far this season, and he has a batting average of 223 and an on-base percentage of.597 to his name.

The two-time winner Despite the fact that the All-Star is having a challenging season, he would have a far higher chance of having a good season if he were to play for a team that was involved in a more intense level of competition.

On the other hand, it would appear that Bichette will not be participating in a game for a substantial amount of time, regardless of whether he is playing for the Blue Jays or for another team.

SOURCE: FS

SEE ALSO:

France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

Euro 2024 Host Germany Trounces Scotland’s National Team 5-1

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau started disastrously at the British Open.

Continue Reading

Sports

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau started disastrously at the British Open.

Published

on

By

Rory McIlroy

(CTN News) – Forget about Rory McIlroy’s final opportunity to compete in a major tournament this year; the British Open may have been his final opportunity.

At present, his most promising prospect is to endure for an additional day. Bryson DeChambeau, the US Open champion, is also present.

On Thursday, Pinehurst No. 2 protagonists encountered Rory McIlroy’s additional complications as a result of an opposing wind that arrived at Royal Troon. McIlroy required two strokes to emerge from a deep hazard located just to the right of the 123-yard eighth hole, which is referred to as the “Postage Stamp.”

Rory McIlroy’s mallet sailed over the rails after three holes.

It culminated in a 7-over 78, which was his lowest major opening round in five years. “I just didn’t do a good enough job on that back nine, and the conditions were tough,” according to him.

DeChambeau was not significantly superior. He encountered difficulties in making par shots at the outset; on the fourth hole, a par-5, he even missed one from three feet.

The par-5 seventh hole resulted in a double bogey for him as he attempted to strike a 7-iron through dense grass, but the ball was only moved a short distance.

Following his 76, he proceeded to the range to evaluate his equipment and determine the reason for his ball’s failure to connect with the driver as anticipated.

He observed, “That day was unusual.” It is highly unlikely that either of them will forget their involvement in the morning wave or their role as the primary attraction following the U.S. Open.

Rory McIlroy was in complete control of his destiny and was leading by two strokes on the back nine before missing a 30-inch par putt on the 16th hole and another par putt from just within 4 feet on the 18th hole, which prolonged his 10-year major drought.

Making a putt from a bunker 55 yards away, DeChambeau secured his second U.S. Open victory. Rory McIlroy’s finale was so challenging that he departed Pinehurst No. 2 without expressing his gratitude to DeChambeau or expressing any sentiments.

McIlroy was optimistic about his form as he approached the final major of the year, following his tie for fourth at the Rory McIlroy Scottish Open last week. Conversely, the wind came from the opposite direction, disrupting the plans of both him and his colleagues.

On the shortened front nine, where high scores are possible, it was directly in their faces. Assistance was provided from the left on the longer back nine, which is challenging in any conditions. McIlroy was taken aback by the difficulty of the back nine, as Rory McIlroy had anticipated that it would be less difficult.

“The course was exceedingly challenging.” The circumstances are exceedingly difficult due to the wind that has yet to be observed this week. McIlroy stated that the wind dictated his strategy during the practice sessions.

However, according to him, “it starts to present different options and you start to think about maybe hitting a few clubs that you haven’t hit in practice when you get a wind you haven’t played in.”

“Just one of those days where I didn’t adjust to the circumstances well enough.” It was not a satisfactory conclusion to the round. Following his decision to play a driver off the 18th.

On the left, Rory McIlroy fired sideways due to a pot bunker.

He drove the wedge to a distance of Rory McIlroy approximately eight feet, made one final bogie, and missed one additional putt, indicating that there was still a significant amount of work to be done.

In order to survive the weekend, he declared, “I must improve my performance under those circumstances.” If not, I should endeavor to advance further on the leaderboard and feel as though I have a reasonable chance. McIlroy was ten strokes behind the lead when he finished, but he had hoped for a smaller margin.

Until he reached the par-5 16th, DeChambeau did not complete a hole below par. It is more accurate to describe him as a sluggish bleeding individual. That was the only positive aspect of the day. An eagle putt of 55 feet was executed on the 565-yard hole by him.

“I am satisfied with the way in which I maintained my composure today,” stated DeChambeau. It would have been so easy for me to give up at nine o’clock and declare, ‘I’m going home’.” No, sir. There will be an additional opportunity for me tomorrow. As I anticipate the assignment, I am eager to begin.

“I will be fine if I am able to make a few putts, hit a few shots, and figure out how to use the equipment.”

SOURCE: CT

SEE ALSO:

France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

Euro 2024: Spain Beats Italy 1-0 to Secure Final 16 Berth

Euro 2024 Host Germany Trounces Scotland’s National Team 5-1

Continue Reading

Sports

France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

Published

on

France Reaches Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals with Late Own Goal Against Belgium

(CTN News) – Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal advanced France to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 at Belgium’s expense. A game that lacked quality and excitement for long stretches appeared destined for extra time, but a shot by replacement Randal Kolo Muani rebounded off Vertonghen with five minutes left to win the victory at Dusseldorf Arena.

France had previously missed multiple chances due to a lack of a cutting edge, and even captain Kylian Mbappe made efforts that would typically go wide.

Belgium could have seized the lead before France’s late goal when Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne sprinted into space through the middle, but Mike Maignan blocked his effort.

That was the only real opportunity for the underperforming Belgians, as France closed out the final few minutes to advance to the last eight, where they will meet Portugal or Slovenia.

Didier Deschamps’ team deserved to win, but the 2018 world champions will be relieved more than anything else after struggling to convert chances into goals once more.

They dominated play for long stretches but only had one effort on goal in the first half, Antoine Griezmann’s low strike from distance, which was well saved.

Mbappe is one of the world’s top forwards, but even he struggled when given a shooting opportunity, curling over in the second half after doing well to create space for himself.

France is through but still needs to improve.

In the end, they had 19 shots on goal, but only two were on target, and they are still waiting for their first goal from open play in Germany.

In a theme common to all of the bigger teams remaining in Euro 2024, France is struggling to play at the level they are capable of, but for the time being, they will relish being one step closer to the final.

Belgium was booed off the pitch by some fans after only drawing with Ukraine in their last group game, but their supporters were hopeful that they would improve their performance against the French.

However, they were once again overly cautious for extended periods, and their threatening moments were fleeting.

However, they should have punished France for their carelessness with De Bruyne’s effort in the dying moments, while Romelu Lukaku, who is leaving Euro 2024 without a goal, also saw a low shot saved in the second half.

Like Croatia, this has seemed like one last chance for Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, with players like De Bruyne and Lukaku in their 30s.

And, like Croatia, they will leave the tournament wondering whether this was a squandered chance to achieve what could have been with this set of players.

Source: BBC Sports

Continue Reading

Trending