Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), has caused significant controversy and outrage with his inappropriate post-match kiss on Jenni Hermoso, the World Cup-winning star. Rather than expressing sincere regret, Rubiales issued a transparent non-apology, attempting to portray the act as a consensual moment of celebration. However, when Hermoso firmly disagreed, Rubiales resorted to using his power to discredit her and even threatened her with legal action for lying. Such behavior should have led to his immediate removal from office if he had not stubbornly refused to resign.
This incident has not only become a global embarrassment for Spain but has also exposed the rigid attitudes and sense of entitlement that prevail at the top of one of the country’s most important institutions. During an extraordinary assembly of the RFEF, which took place last Friday, an attempt was made to publicly humiliate Hermoso and paint Rubiales as the victim in this situation. He dismissed calls for his resignation as stemming from “false feminism” and a witch-hunt against him. The orchestrated event even resulted in a standing ovation from his allies, while some female members revealed that they had been pressured to sit in the front row. However, in the face of widespread public revulsion, several individuals swiftly backtracked and called for Rubiales’ resignation.
Rubiales has proven to be a narcissistic and confrontational bully, grossly disregarding professional boundaries. It is inconceivable that he should continue to represent Spanish football in any capacity. The entire women’s World Cup squad has declared their intention to go on strike until Rubiales steps down. It would have been beneficial if more high-profile male players had voiced their support. Nevertheless, condemnation has come from across the Spanish political spectrum and, belatedly, even from the RFEF itself. FIFA, the governing body of world football, has suspended Rubiales from all football activities. His departure is a necessity.
Once Rubiales finally exits, his arrogance may ultimately serve as a catalyst for positive change in women’s football and Spanish society as a whole. As Yolanda Díaz, a deputy prime minister in Spain’s caretaker government, aptly stated, this past week has shamefully exposed “the worst of Spanish society, of the structural machismo of this country.” Spain has enacted progressive legislation addressing issues such as rape, domestic violence, and equal pay, and boasts a vibrant feminist movement. However, similar to other European countries, Spain has witnessed the emergence of a vehement “anti-woke” politics on the right, with the far-right Vox party vilifying “feminazis” and “gender ideology.”
Rubiales attempted to align himself with this agenda, but fortunately, it backfired spectacularly. The overwhelming support for Hermoso, both within and outside of football, demonstrates which side Spain stands on in this particular cultural battle. For the country’s female footballers, this crisis has unfortunately overshadowed what should have been a memorable summer for positive reasons. However, it also presents a golden opportunity to address longstanding grievances, including an oppressive macho culture in the game, inadequate investment compared to their male counterparts, and a lack of respect symbolized by the unwarranted kiss.
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