Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales finds himself in hot water after kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup. In response to this behavior, FIFA has suspended Rubiales and initiated an investigation into his conduct at the Women’s World Cup final. Despite mounting pressure from various sources, Rubiales has adamantly refused to step down from his position.
Jenni Hermoso has been vocal about not giving consent for the kiss that occurred during the team’s on-field celebration. Her assertion, combined with the solidarity of her teammates, has led to a decision not to participate in any further games until Rubiales is removed from his position. As a result, FIFA has relieved Rubiales of his soccer duties for 90 days while disciplinary proceedings take place.
The president of Spain’s women’s league, Beatriz Álvarez, firmly believes that this incident marks the end of Rubiales’ soccer career. Multiple official complaints against Rubiales were lodged with Spain’s government in the past week, including one from the women’s league. Álvarez stated that Rubiales will not remain as the president of the Spanish federation, whether due to FIFA’s intervention or the Spanish government’s actions. The specific sanctions that Rubiales may face have not yet been determined by FIFA’s disciplinary judges.
Initially, it was rumored that Rubiales intended to announce his resignation during the general assembly of the federation. However, he surprised everyone by refusing to quit and instead painting himself as a victim of a “witch hunt” orchestrated by “false feminists”. This statement garnered him applause from the predominantly male audience. However, Jenni Hermoso promptly responded, accusing Rubiales of lying about the kiss being consensual and revealing that she felt intimidated by his actions.
The future of Luis Rubiales in Spanish soccer remains uncertain. As FIFA investigates the incident and weighs potential disciplinary actions, the football community eagerly waits for a ruling. Whether Rubiales will face warnings, fines, or even suspension from the sport is yet to be determined. The fallout from this controversial incident highlights the need for continued efforts to address issues of consent and respect within the world of professional football.Rubiales, now facing serious consequences for his actions, serves as a cautionary tale for other sports administrators. The incident underlines the importance of holding leaders accountable for their behavior and the potential ramifications that can arise when consent is disregarded. The outcome of Rubiales’ case will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the world of soccer and serve as a catalyst for change in the treatment of women in the sport.