Royal Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has firmly stated that he will not step down from his position, despite facing intense criticism for kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the Women’s World Cup trophy presentation in Sydney. This controversial act has sparked a major uproar, leading FIFA to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales. However, he remains resolute in his decision to stay on as president.
In a surprising turn of events, Rubiales made this announcement during a general assembly held at the federation headquarters in Madrid, where he passionately reiterated his refusal to resign. This comes in contrast to earlier media reports suggesting that he would indeed step down in light of the backlash.
During his address, Rubiales voiced his thoughts on the matter, citing what he called “fake feminism” and asserting that it was Hermoso who initiated the kiss and brought him closer to her body. These claims have added another layer of complexity to the situation.
FIFA, in response, has expressed its concern over Rubiales’ actions, stating that they may constitute violations of certain sections of its disciplinary code, particularly those relating to bringing the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute. The organization has yet to provide a timeline for its proceedings against him.
Hermoso initially expressed her discomfort with the incident on social media and in various interviews, while the federation later claimed that she had described the kiss as “mutual.” Amid the ongoing controversy, Hermoso’s agency and a women’s soccer union, FUTPRO, have released a statement defending her interests and engaging with other relevant parties to address the issue.
Rubiales’ response to the criticism has been mixed. Initially dismissing the critics as “idiots,” he later issued an apology. However, this apology was deemed insufficient by soccer players, officials, and even Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who called for further action against Rubiales.
Rubiales, in his defense, maintains that he will fight until the end and hopes that the law will be followed in deciding his fate as president. He questions whether a consensual kiss is enough to warrant his removal, emphasizing that he is committed to upholding the laws of the country.
The situation continues to unfold, with FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings and the ongoing debate surrounding Rubiales’ actions captivating the attention of the public.
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