Spanish football chief's mother staging hunger strike in church over 'hunt'
The mother of Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales is staging a hunger strike to protest what she called the "inhuman and bloody hunt" of her son, according to quotes translated by BBC Sport.
Angeles Bejar told Spanish news agency EFE that the strike would continue for an "indefinite" period.
Bejar has locked herself in a church in Motril, the Andalusian town where Rubiales was raised, according to multiple reports.
"We are suffering a lot for him. He has been judged before his time," said Rubiales' cousin Vanessa Ruiz, who BBC Sport says is acting as a family spokesperson.
"They (media) don't stop harassing us. We had to leave our house. We want them to leave us alone and for Jenni (Hermoso) to tell the truth. It's not fair."
Rubiales' forcible kiss on the lips of forward Hermoso during the celebrations that followed Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England on Aug. 20 prompted a drive to oust him from his prestigious role in European football.
Rubiales insisted the incident was consensual and is determined to hold onto his role as federation president. Prosecutors at Spain's top criminal court said Monday that it had opened a preliminary investigation into Rubiales possibly committing sexual assault.
FIFA suspended him for 90 days while it investigates his conduct. Eighty-one players declared themselves unavailable for the women's team, the coaching staff of the 2023 Women's World Cup winners offered their resignations - with the exception of head coach Jorge Vilda - and Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias quit the men's national team.
Vilda - who applauded Rubiales' staunch defense of his position during last Friday's infamous football federation meeting - has since condemned the president for his "improper behavior."
Rubiales also apologized for grabbing his crotch as part of his World Cup celebrations. Spain's Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Princess Sofia were standing nearby when he made his gesture.
Amid this controversy, the federation threatened legal action against Hermoso on Saturday for saying she didn't allow Rubiales to kiss her.
"I can't imagine the feeling that all the national team players must be feeling right now seeing how they are not talking about the great tournament they had and the fantastic football they taught us all," said Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta on Sunday.
"Instead, we have had to put up with a president who has clung onto his position, who has not admitted that his behavior has been unacceptable and is damaging the image of our country and our football around the world."