Luis Rubiales: Spanish Government's Shocking Move to Oust Spanish FA President Sparks Outrage and Turmoil Amid Jenni Hermoso Scandal
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales shocks the footballing world with an extraordinary speech following controversy over his embrace and kiss with Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso after their Women's World Cup victory Football reacts with embarrassment and disbelief
The Spanish government is seeking to have Luis Rubiales suspended for his actions during the Women's World Cup final. In order to achieve this, the Superior Sports Council of Spain, an independent government agency, will request the Administrative Court of Sport to suspend Rubiales on grounds of serious misconduct.
Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) since 2018, hugged Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the medal ceremony after their 1-0 victory against England in Sydney. Consequently, several resignations have taken place within the RFEF due to the incident and its aftermath.
Rubiales issued an apology on Monday after derogatively referring to his critics as "idiots". It was expected that he would succumb to the mounting pressure and step down. Nevertheless, he created a stir in the football community during an extraordinary speech at an emergency general assembly of the Spanish Football Federation that lasted for over thirty minutes on Friday. Defiantly and repeatedly, he exclaimed, "I refuse to resign."
Rubiales, currently under FIFA investigation, described the incident by saying, "The kiss was as innocent as one I would give to my own daughters." In response, Hermoso reluctantly expressed her discontent in a video shared on social media, stating, "Although I didn't appreciate it, I felt helpless to react."
The AFE, the Spanish players' union, responded to Rubiales' speech on Friday by calling for his immediate removal from his position as head of the Spanish FA. They expressed their disappointment that Rubiales attempted to justify his deplorable behavior by shifting the blame onto their colleague Jennifer Hermoso, who was the sole victim of the disgraceful incident involving Luis Rubiales after the Women's World Cup final.
Once again, Luis Rubiales continues to significantly tarnish the reputation of Spanish sport, both at a national and global level. His daily actions further jeopardize Spain's chances of hosting the 2030 World Cup.
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Liga F, the premier league for women in Spain, boasts an impressive roster of 22 out of the 24 players from the World Cup winning squad who play domestically. In a groundbreaking move, the league took to X, formerly known as Twitter, stating: "The time has come to bring about lasting change" in relation to Rubiales' role.
FIFPro, the worldwide union representing players, also demanded swift disciplinary measures against Rubiales and emphasized that failure to act would "send an entirely inappropriate and detrimental message to the football community".
Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias, who made his national team debut last year and was in Luis de la Fuente's recent squad, has vowed not to play for his country again until there is a significant change and proper consequences are imposed for such actions.
In a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), the 30-year-old expressed, "Today's events have left me feeling unrepresented as both a footballer and an individual. Wearing the Spanish national team jersey has been one of the most cherished moments of my career."
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I am unsure if I will be considered as an option in the future, but I have resolved not to rejoin the national team until there are changes and consequences for such actions.
Rubiales made a lewd victory gesture towards the dignitaries at the stadium, including Spain's Queen Letizia and Princess Infanta Sofia, by grabbing his crotch before the kiss. He acknowledged his mistakes and expressed apologies, vowing to persevere in the fight, guided by the teachings of his parents and coaches. Those familiar with him understand that he will not give up until the ultimate goal is achieved.
Rubiales' speech was frequently punctuated by bursts of applause from the audience and concluded with a standing ovation. Among those giving a standing ovation were Spain Women's head coach Jorge Vilda and De la Fuente, the men's head coach. FIFA, in initiating disciplinary action against Rubiales on Thursday, reiterated its dedication to upholding the dignity of all individuals and vehemently denounced any conduct that goes against this principle.
Rubiales' actions may potentially breach articles 13.1 and 13.2 of the FIFA disciplinary code, which pertain to offensive conduct and infringements of fair play principles.
'Embarrassing', 'My ears are bleeding': Football reacts to Rubiales' speech
Possible Disciplinary Measures:The code presents instances of conduct that may result in disciplinary actions, such as "engaging in any form of offensive gestures, signs, or language, particularly towards individuals, whether natural or legal" and "conducting oneself in a manner that tarnishes the reputation of football as a sport and/or FIFA as an organization."
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Rubiales' comments were not well-received by a number of former Spain internationals, with David de Gea taking to X to write: "My ears are bleeding."
Former Spain captain Iker Casillas called Rubiales' speech "embarrassing", and added in another message: "We should spend these 5 days talking about our girls! Of the joy they gave us all."
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Alexia Putellas, a teammate of Hermoso in the Spanish national team, expressed her disapproval on X, stating, "This is absolutely unacceptable. It's done. Standing by your side, partner @Jennihermoso."
Aitana Bonmati, who was crowned as the tournament's top player at the World Cup, echoed similar sentiments on X, writing, "Certain boundaries exist that should never be crossed, and we simply cannot endure this. We stand united with you, mate."
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England defender Jess Carter, who played the whole 90 minutes of Sunday's final defeat, told Sky News Rubiales' actions had "tarnished" the moment of Spain's victory.
"It is truly disheartening, honestly, that this extraordinary moment has been marred for Hermoso and for Spain, who have recently accomplished something remarkable - and it has been spoiled by that incident," she expressed.
"I didn't witness it firsthand; it wasn't until I returned and saw the pictures that I thought to myself, 'this cannot be real'. It is extremely unacceptable, and I cannot fathom how he can respond with anything other than genuine apologies. This should not occur in any profession, especially not on the global platform."
"She finds herself in an exceedingly challenging position - how does one oppose someone of such immense power? However, she also must find the courage to assert that their actions are simply unacceptable."
Additionally, several clubs have responded to Rubiales' speech, including Sevilla, the winners of the Europa League. In a statement, the club firmly declares their condemnation and rejection of Rubiales' treatment towards Hermoso. They also express their disapproval of his explanations and reactions during the RFEF assembly.
Sevilla added: "Based on the aforementioned points, Rubiales should resign from his position as the highest representative of Spanish football."
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Barcelona issued a statement condemning Rubiales' conduct during the World Cup celebrations as "improper and inappropriate," while not addressing his speech on Friday. Yolanda Diaz, Spain's second deputy prime minister, expressed her dissatisfaction with the events at the general assembly on Friday in a post on X. She emphasized that the government needs to take immediate action and implement urgent measures.
"Impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales cannot continue in office," her post concluded.
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Former Spanish men's midfielder and Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed his unawareness of the details of Rubiales' speech. However, he emphasized his hope that it does not overshadow the accomplishments of Spain's World Cup winning team. Arteta proudly acknowledged their achievements and stated that the whole country shares this sentiment.
Although Arteta lacked complete information, he expressed sadness that such events were taking place during a time that should be dedicated to celebrating and feeling immense pride for the team's accomplishments.
