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Luis Rubiales, Angeles Bejar banner.JPG
Reuters
Luis Rubiales, Angeles Bejar.JPG
Reuters
World News

Mother of Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales discharged from hospital following church hunger strike

by Kelly Valencia

Ángeles Béjar, the mother of disgraced Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, has been discharged from hospital after a several-day hunger strike left her “in poor health”.

She had barricaded herself inside the Divina Pastora church in her hometown of Motril, fervently protesting the treatment her son received after he kissed Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the mouth, after the World Cup Final.

The church’s priest, Father Antonio Rodriguez, later announced she had been taken to hospital after feeling tired and stressed out.

“I need to tell you that she has had a crisis, she has worsened and they needed to take her urgently to the hospital,” Father Antonio said at the church on Wednesday.

“She’s not here anymore, she had to leave for the hospital because the woman was already tired and had lots of issues already, even some anaemic issues so she had to leave.”

The church's diocese allowed Bejar to stay in the place of worship after admitting they didn't have a protocol for such situations.

"No one is expelled from inside a temple, except for altercations. We always engage in dialogue with the person."

Fr Rodriguez also confirmed Rubiales had been in touch with her mother during the three days she stayed in the church.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Spain's Women's World Cup winning celebrations have been "spoiled" by the scandal.

The Spanish FA president - who's been suspended by world football's governing body - kissed player Jenni Hermoso, on live television, as the players came up to collect the World Cup trophy.  The footballer says the kiss was without consent, but 46-year-old Rubiales insists that's not true.  He's is refusing to quit, despite widespread criticism.

Spain's government has announced a legal panel is investigating what happened.  FIFA's Infantino feels that incident "should never have happened" but insists they acted "immediately" and have taken the "necessary actions".

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