Stars of Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup win took in the sunshine as they enjoyed a much-deserved break following their success.
La Roja broke England hearts when the final whistle below at Stadium Australia on Sunday and lifted their first world crown thanks to skipper Olga Carmona’s first-half strike.
Unfortunately, much of the talk following their triumph has surrounded the actions of Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who grabbed Spain’s all-time leading scorer, Jenni Hermoso, and kissed her on the lips as the side collected their winners medals.
The unwelcomed move was the latest in a long line of questionable actions by the FA in the lead up to and after the tournament.
But on Wednesday, Hermoso revealed via an Instagram story that some in the squad had retreated to Ibiza to let their hair down and bask in the sun following their triumph.
Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso (right) gets away from the controversy surrounding the actions of FA president Luis Rubiales
Alexia Putellas ( middle left), Hermoso (back turned) and Aisa Rodríguez (far right) take a moment on the yacht during the festivities in Ibiza
Hermoso revealed members of the squad had retreated to Ibiza to celebrate the historic win
Putellas (left) and Rodríguez (right) relax while their team mates take a dip in the water
Hermoso, who netted three times in the tournament, can be seen doing her best to stay aloft on a paddle board.
While two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, fresh from suffering the disappointment of not starting the final, kicks back on the yacht among her team-mates.
Stopper Misa Rodriguez, who featured three times during Spain’s run, is also spotted on the lavish vessel.
Spain became just the second nation after Germany to win the World Cup in both men’s and women’s football. And managed to do so without several of their key players due to intense disagreements with the footballing authorities.
Head coach Jorge Vilda selected just three of the 15 players who had initially refused to play if he remained in post, leaving out the likes of Barcelona trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina as well as Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Lola Gollardo.
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has been accused of sexual assault on Wednesday
As for Sunday’s incident, Rubiales, who reluctantly apologised despite initially defending his behavior, has faced calls to resign and has been accused of sexual assaults.
He also grabbed his crotch in what was described by USA legend Megan Rapinoe as a ‘signal of a deep level of misogyny and sexism’, who insisted his kiss was ‘physical assault’.
Spanish football chief Miguel Ángel Galán has now also filed a complaint to the Prosecutor’s Office in Madrid and the State Attorney General’s Office alleging Rubiales’ actions constituted sexual assault.
Young midfielder Maria Perez (left), who made a solitary appearance for Spain, was also part of the celebrating party in Ibiza with Cata Coll (right)
Hermoso was adamant she did not like being kissed by Rubiales on the medal podium
Spain became just the second nation to win the World Cup in men’s and women’s football
On Wednesday, Rubiales was rocked by damaging new claims about his behaviour.
As reported by Spanish outlet El Confidencial, Rubiales now faces accusations that he took a Mexican woman on a six-day work-funded holiday to New York.
He is also alleged to have harassed and humiliated a female colleague, who claimed he asked her about the colour of her underwear and about wearing ‘knee pads’ in meetings when they worked together.
El Confidencial report they have heard dozens of audio messages which prove a Mexican woman, a painter, with whom Rubiales had close relations was hired at DDP SL, after also working in the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) when Rubiales was president. They also confirm the pair travelled around Manhattan, NY, together.
Former colleague Tamara Ramos Cruz accused Rubiales, 46, of consistent workplace harassment and said he asked her what colour underwear she was wearing in front of Spanish men’s players Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas and Sergio Busquets. Mail Sport have contacted the Spanish FA for comment.