Spain Soccer Federation President Faces FIFA Suspension Over Unwanted Kiss Allegations
Spain’s soccer federation will hold an urgent meeting on Monday as its president, Luis Rubiales, faces a FIFA suspension and a storm of criticism over allegations he gave a player an unwanted kiss on the lips after Spain won the Women’s World Cup. Rubiales has refused to resign over the incident with player Jenni Hermoso last Sunday in Sydney, saying the kiss was consensual.
Rubiales, who was elected as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in 2018, has been at the center of controversy following the allegations made by Hermoso. While the player claims the kiss was unwanted and made her feel vulnerable and the victim of an aggression, Rubiales has maintained that it was consensual.
The uproar over the incident has led to an investigation by FIFA, which has resulted in Rubiales being suspended for three months from national and international soccer activities. Despite the suspension, Rubiales has affirmed his innocence and has stated his intention to use the FIFA probe to prove it.
The situation has sparked a wave of criticism from players, coaches, and even the Spanish government. The women’s squad and a number of coaches have called for Rubiales’ resignation, while the government has expressed its strong disapproval of his actions. However, the Spanish government does not have the power to fire Rubiales, so they are seeking to have him suspended through a legal procedure before a sports tribunal.
The scandal has erupted in a country where gender issues have gained significant attention in recent years. Spain has seen numerous street marches and protests against sexual abuse and violence, with tens of thousands of women participating. In light of this, government officials, including Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz and acting budget minister Maria Jesus Montero, have condemned Rubiales’ behavior and called for him to step down.
Jenni Hermoso has received widespread support from fellow players and the public. During the Women’s Cup final, she was applauded by the crowd, and players from various teams have shown their solidarity by wearing wristbands and displaying supportive messages. In a powerful show of solidarity, all 23 members of Spain’s cup-winning squad, along with numerous other squad members, have vowed not to play internationals as long as Rubiales remains in his position.
The ongoing scandal has prompted a feminist demonstration titled With You Jenni in Madrid, and hundreds of people gathered in Salamanca to protest against Rubiales. In addition, famous football player Andres Iniesta has spoken out against Rubiales, stressing the damage that his actions have caused to the image of Spain and its football.
While the incident has been referred to as a MeToo moment for Spain by Victor Francos, head of the state-run National Sports Council, he believes it will not adversely impact Spain’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup, alongside Portugal and Morocco.
As the Spanish soccer federation prepares to hold its urgent meeting, the fate of Luis Rubiales hangs in the balance. The outcome of the investigation and the decisions made at the meeting will determine what lies ahead for the embattled president and the future of Spanish football.
