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Spain's Women's World Cup-winning footballer Jenni Hermoso, who was controversially kissed by former president of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales, has been recalled to the national side for the first time since the emergence of this issue.
Hermoso has been named in Montse Tomé's team for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Switzerland.
Following the World Cup, Hermoso was left out of the initial squad to shield her from the controversy sparked by Rubiales' unsolicited kiss during the award ceremony, post Spain's triumph in Australia in August.
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"At the time we believed that was the best option for her and for us,” remarked Tomé. "Now things have improved. She has played more often. It's the right moment." Hermoso had stated that the kiss was non-consensual, leading to Spanish state prosecutors charging Rubiales with sexual assault and coercion. It was alleged that Rubiales attempted to persuade Hermoso and her family to minimise the incident in public.
Hermoso, along with other Spanish players, has given evidence in the investigation into Rubiales' conduct. Following the incident, Rubiales stepped down, and the players ceased their national team boycott after receiving assurances of reforms within the federation, prompted by governmental intervention.
Despite the World Cup-winning players' request to abstain from play until their demands were met, Tomé included them in her debut squad. Since then, several federation officials have been dismissed, and a collaborative committee involving players has been established.
Hermoso, currently playing for the Mexican side Pachuca, criticised the federation for naming the World Cup victors in the initial squad against their preferences. Ignoring a national call-up can lead to penalties or suspensions.
Patri Guijarro and Mapi León, who opted out of the squad after the previous call-up, were absent from Tomé’s recent selection.
Spain secured victories in their first two matches post-World Cup, defeating Sweden 3-2 and Switzerland 5-0.
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