Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish footballer who accused Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales of kissing her without consent, has received support from the United Nations Human Rights office.
The UN organization emphasized the responsibility to call out and challenge sexual harassment and abuse, and it backed Hermoso and others working to end abuse and sexism in sports. The UNHR’s statement comes as Spanish prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident constitutes a crime of sexual assault.
Rubiales has faced criticism for his behavior but has refused to resign despite being provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days from all football activities.
Spanish regional leaders from the Spanish Football Federation held an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the situation, with some calling for a restructuring of the organization and others releasing a statement calling on Rubiales to resign.
-BBC-