Barcelona President Criticizes Luis Rubiales for Kissing Jenni Hermoso at Women's World Cup

READ MORE: 81 Spanish Women's National Team Players Sign Petition Demanding President Rubiales to Resign

Speaking ahead of Barcelona's La Liga match against Villarreal on Sunday, Laporta reiterated the club's stance on this matter.

"I want to emphasize that Rubiales' conduct has been unacceptable, inappropriate, and disgraceful. We offer unwavering support to our players. Jenni, we stand by you," Laporta declared.

"We had anticipated that Rubiales would step down [on Friday], believing he had no alternative. As FC Barcelona, we fully endorse FIFA's decision to temporarily suspend him. It should be crystal clear that, in a resolute and emphatic manner, in any instance of sexist violence, abuse, or harassment, we stand firmly by the victims."

READ MORE: Jenni Hermoso's Unwanted Kiss Update: Luis Rubiales Resigns as FIFA Prepares New Regulations

Rubiales held an explosive press conference on Friday, during which he refused to resign. Later that day, Hermoso released a statement in which she denied that the kiss from Rubiales was consensual and accused the Spanish FA of pressuring her to publicly exonerate Rubiales.

In response, the RFEF threatened Hermoso and the Spanish Professional Footballers' Union with legal action, leading to FIFA suspending Rubiales from all football-related activities for 90 days.

Spain's coach, Jorge Vilda, eventually voiced criticism of Rubiales despite praising him during Friday's press conference. He now faces an uncomfortable situation as all of his coaching staff have resigned. Furthermore, 81 Spanish players have made themselves unavailable for selection until Rubiales is permanently removed from his position.

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Spain boss Jorge Vilda finally criticises Luis Rubiales' 'inappropriate behaviour'

Vilda, who faced considerable attention in the lead-up to the tournament due to a rebellion by some of his senior players, has now publicly criticized Luis Rubiales for his conduct following Spain's victory over England in the Women's World Cup final.

"The events unfolding since Spain's historic Women's World Cup win have been an utter debacle, casting a shadow over the well-deserved success of our players and our nation," he expressed in a formal statement.

"I deeply lament that the triumph of Spanish women's football has been marred by the inappropriate actions of our former president, Luis Rubiales, actions he himself has admitted to. Undoubtedly, it is unacceptable and completely contrary to the principles and values that I uphold in my personal life, in sports in general, and in football in particular."

READ MORE: Video Footage Emerges: Spain's Coach Jorge Vilda Allegedly Touches Female Coach's Breast during World Cup Final

During a contentious press conference where Rubiales declared he wouldn't step down as the president of the Spanish FA, Vilda was observed applauding him. Rubiales also extended a new contract offer to Vilda for the Spain team along with a substantial pay raise.

However, FIFA has subsequently taken action, temporarily suspending the current president from his role for 90 days while an investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Vilda stands as the sole remaining member of the coaching staff, as all 11 of his colleagues resigned in the aftermath of Rubiales' actions.

READ MORE: Jenni Hermoso Prepares to Pursue Legal Action Against Luis Rubiales for World Cup Female Harassment Incident

Luis Rubiales Faces Potential 30-Month Jail Sentence for Jenni Hermoso Kiss

The trial concerning the nonconsensual kiss involving Luis Rubiales has not commenced at this time.