Spain’s World Cup Coaching Staff Resigns Over Rubiales Controversy
The entire coaching staff of Spain’s World Cup-winning team, with the exception of manager Jorge Vilda, has resigned amidst a controversy involving Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF). Assistant managers Montse Tome, Javier Lerga, and Eugenio Gonzalo Martin, along with physio Blanca Romero Moraleda and goalkeeping coach Carlos Sanchez, have all stepped down from their roles. Additionally, six others associated with the national side at various age levels have also resigned.
The recent turmoil began after Rubiales was suspended by FIFA for kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England. Rubiales claimed it was consensual, but Hermoso contradicted this, stating she felt like a victim of aggression. In a statement, the coaching staff expressed their strong condemnation of Rubiales’ behavior and the president’s handling of the situation. They cited his unacceptable attitudes and statements as the reason for their departure.
Even the head coach of Spain’s men’s team, Luis de la Fuente, criticized Rubiales for his behavior, stating that it did not respect the protocol required for such celebratory events. Rubiales has refused to resign and the RFEF has vowed to take legal action against Hermoso for her alleged lies.
Jenni Hermoso, who plays for Mexican club Pachuca, released a statement denying Rubiales’ claims and emphasizing that the kiss was non-consensual. She described the incident as an impulsive, sexist act that lacked her consent. The forward expressed her belief that no individual, regardless of their profession or social setting, should be subjected to such non-consensual behavior.
Manager Jorge Vilda, who is an ally of Rubiales, was set to be awarded a new four-year contract at a substantial annual salary. However, it remains unclear how the recent controversy will impact his position.
As FIFA provisionally suspended Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level, the RFEF announced its intention to legally defend him. FIFA has also ordered Rubiales and the RFEF to refrain from contacting Jenni Hermoso.
The resignation of Spain’s World Cup coaching staff reflects the deep divide caused by the Rubiales controversy. The incident has brought into question the conduct of top officials and raised concerns about the treatment of players in the sport. The Spanish Football Association faces a challenging task in navigating through this tumultuous period and restoring harmony within the national team.
While some support Rubiales and believe that Hermoso’s claims are false, others side with the coaching staff and the player in their condemnation of Rubiales’ behavior. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate surrounding consent and appropriate conduct in sports and other professional settings.
The future of Spain’s national teams, both men and women, hangs in the balance as the fallout from this scandal continues. It remains to be seen how the RFEF will address the resignations and restore stability within the coaching staff.
With legal actions pending and allegations of impropriety, the RFEF faces a tough road ahead. The Spanish football community, as well as fans worldwide, will closely watch how this controversy unfolds and whether it will have long-term consequences for the national teams.
