The Spanish government has initiated legal proceedings in an effort to suspend Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), after he refused to step down amidst mounting pressure following his unsolicited kiss of Spain player Jenni Hermoso.
In an unexpected move, Rubiales, 46, made the announcement during an extraordinary meeting of the federation’s general assembly, where he attempted to justify his actions and criticized his detractors.
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“Today, the government has initiated the process for Mr. Rubiales to provide explanations before the Sport Court, and if the Sport Court agrees, we will suspend Mr. Rubiales from his position,” stated Victor Francos, head of the state-run National Sports Council during a press conference on Friday.
Earlier that day, Rubiales defiantly proclaimed, “Do you think this incident is so serious that I should resign after leading Spanish football to its best management in history? Let me be clear: I will not resign. I will not resign. I will not resign. Despite facing immense pressure, I will fight until the end. I hope the law is upheld, and as there is no valid reason for my removal, it will not come to pass.”
Rubiales provided a detailed account of his actions following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final, including his crotch-grabbing gesture immediately after the win and the unsolicited kiss he planted on Hermoso’s lips during the medal presentation ceremony.
“In a moment of euphoria, I instinctively grabbed that part of my body,” Rubiales explained. “I was looking at [coach] Jorge Vilda. We have been through a lot this year. People have wanted to do the same to [Vilda] that they are doing to me with their false narrative. We have faced significant challenges. I became overwhelmed with emotions and lost control… I must apologize to the Queen, the Infanta, and the Royal Household. I sincerely apologize.”
However, Rubiales, who assumed the role of RFEF president in 2018, did not accept any wrongdoing regarding the kiss.
“My intention in that moment was the same as if I had kissed one of my own daughters,” he stated. “No more, no less. Anyone can understand that. It was a spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual kiss. That is the crux of the matter.
“[Hermoso] had missed a penalty. I share a great relationship with all my players… When Jenni approached me, she lifted me off the ground. We were almost about to fall. We embraced. I said, ‘Forget about the penalty, you were fantastic. We wouldn’t have won the World Cup without you.’ She replied, ‘You’re amazing.’ I asked, ‘A kiss?’ and she said, ‘Yes.’
“From what was initially considered insignificant, the pressure began to mount, along with the player’s subsequent silence and a statement [from Hermoso] that I struggle to comprehend. Justice is not being served here. This is social character assassination. They are trying to destroy me.”
Hermoso spoke out about the incident for the first time on Wednesday, urging action in a joint statement with her players’ union, FUTPRO, and appealing to the RFEF to safeguard the players’ rights.
“My union, FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency, TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and acting as intermediaries in this matter,” Hermoso declared.
Meanwhile, Rubiales proceeded to label his critics as “false feminists.”
“We must distinguish between truth and lies,” he argued. “I am telling the truth. False feminists are not seeking justice or truth; they do not care about people… Various politicians have used terms like sexual violence and assault. What will women who have truly experienced sexual assault think of that?
“These individuals are attempting to destroy me, but I will defend myself. False feminists ruin people’s lives… The majority of the media will continue to attack me, but I know the truth, as do my family and those who love me. The truth will prevail.”
Following his speech, former Spain internationals took to social media to criticize Rubiales, with David de Gea stating, “My ears are bleeding,” while Iker Casillas called it a “total embarrassment.”
Real Betis player Borja Iglesias also proclaimed that he would refuse to play for the men’s national team as long as Rubiales remained in charge.
Rubiales’ behavior following Spain’s World Cup victory in Sydney was met with criticism both domestically and internationally, leading FIFA to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
Initially, Rubiales dismissed his critics as “idiots,” but later issued an apology.
Spain’s acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, deemed the response “insufficient and inadequate,” while acting Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz called for Rubiales’ resignation.
Rubiales has consistently courted controversy throughout his tenure as the head of Spanish football’s governing body.
He infamously sacked Spain coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the men’s 2018 World Cup and took the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia, partnering with then-active player Gerard Pique in a business venture.
The RFEF also faced criticism for its handling of complaints from 15 Spain women’s national team players regarding coach Jorge Vilda and the federation’s support for the team.
Rubiales staunchly defended Vilda. As a result of various changes, three of the 15 players featured in the World Cup, seven refused to participate, and five were not selected at all.
Information from Reuters was utilized in the creation of this report.
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