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Posted: 2023-08-31 23:32:14

Spanish soccer star Aitana Bonmatí has used her acceptance speech at a UEFA awards ceremony on Thursday to voice support for her teammate who was forcibly kissed by the country's soccer federation president after the Women's World Cup final.

Bonmatí was named women's player of the year at the annual gala held amid a crisis for European soccer's governing body caused by the behaviour of its vice-president Luis Rubiales at the Women's World Cup final.

Rubiales has refused to resign as Spanish soccer federation president despite a furore over his behaviour toward Jenni Hermoso at the trophy presentation after Spain's victory over England in Sydney.

"As a society, we cannot allow the abuse of power in a working environment or disrespect," Bonmatí said on stage as UEFA leaders watched in the convention hall in high-end Monte Carlo.

"To all women who are suffering the same thing as Jenni, we're with you."

Rubiales could not attend the event because he was suspended on Saturday by FIFA, two days after the world governing body opened a disciplinary case against him. UEFA has not taken any action against Rubiales, who gets paid 250,000 euros ($419,000) for his role as a vice president.

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