Spanish Government Faces Setback in Efforts to Suspend Soccer Chief
Luis Rubiales, the embattled chief of Spanish soccer, remained resolute in the face of mounting criticism on Friday, acknowledging “obvious mistakes” but asserting that he had been treated unfairly regarding an unwanted kiss with star player Jenni Hermoso.
Rubiales has faced increasing pressure to step down from his position after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup in Sydney last month. While Rubiales has insisted the act was consensual, Hermoso vehemently denies this, describing it as an “impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part.”
In a statement widely reported in the Spanish media, Rubiales, who serves as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), decried a “manufactured campaign” against him while also expressing gratitude for the support he has received from people on the streets and on social media.
“On August 20th, I made some obvious mistakes, which I sincerely regret from the bottom of my heart. It is true that for such errors, I have asked for forgiveness,” Rubiales stated in the Friday release.
“I have learned that, no matter how great the joy and deep the emotion, even when A WORLD CUP IS WON, sports leaders must be required to exhibit exemplary behaviour, and mine wasn’t,” he added, expressing apologies to players, the federation, fans, and anyone who may have been offended by his actions.
However, Rubiales maintained that both parties had consented to “affectionate hugs” and “affectionate mutual gestures,” which had occurred on the stage during the presentation of the World Cup medals.
Rubiales made these remarks in response to the recent developments involving Spain’s Court of Arbitration in Sport (TAD). The TAD decided to open a case against Rubiales on Friday but rejected the government’s argument that his offences were “very serious,” preventing his immediate suspension and prompting ministers to request the tribunal to take action instead.
In reaction, Minister of Culture and Sport Miquel Iceta announced plans to file a separate complaint with TAD and seek Rubiales’ removal from his post until the investigation concludes.
While Rubiales has already been suspended by FIFA from all soccer-related activities for 90 days, Spanish law dictates that the government cannot suspend him unless TAD deems his offenses “very serious.”
The court’s ruling and Rubiales’ steadfast refusal to step down mean that the storm enveloping Spanish soccer will persist. Members of the Women’s World Cup-winning team are boycotting matches until he resigns. Rubiales’ mother even staged a brief hunger strike in support of her son this week.
The pressure on Rubiales has amplified since his dramatic refusal to step down during a speech at the federation’s Extraordinary General Assembly last Friday, where he vowed to “fight to the end.”
Additionally, all 19 of the Spanish federation’s regional presidents have called for Rubiales to resign while unanimously backing interim president Pedro Rocha, who assumed the role following Rubiales’ suspension by FIFA. There are also doubts regarding Jorge Vilda, coach of Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning squad, with the interim RFEF boss suggesting that his tenure may be short-lived despite the victory, due to ongoing controversies.
