Luis Rubiales faces criminal investigation and suspension
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), is facing a criminal investigation and a 90-day suspension by FIFA after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth during the celebrations of Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory on Sunday. The incident sparked outrage in Spain, where gender issues are a powerful topic and several legal reforms around gender change, abortion and sex work have been introduced by the Socialist-led government.
Rubiales initially dismissed the criticism as coming from “idiots” and claimed that the kiss was a “mutual gesture” of “affection and gratitude” prompted by the “huge joy of winning a World Cup”. However, he later apologised in a video statement sent by the federation, admitting that he was “wrong” and that it was “without bad faith at a time of maximum effusiveness”.
Hermoso, who scored the only goal of the final against England, also downplayed the incident in a statement sent by the federation to Spanish news agency EFE. She said that she had a “great relationship” with Rubiales and that his behaviour with all the players had always been “10 (out of 10)”. She also told her teammates in the locker room that she “didn’t like it”, according to video footage posted on Instagram and YouTube by El Mundo newspaper and other media outlets.
Government ministers, media commentators and football fans condemn Rubiales
The unsolicited kiss by Rubiales has been widely condemned by government ministers, media commentators and football fans in Spain, who accused him of being disrespectful, sexist and unprofessional. Some also called for his resignation or removal from his position as the head of the RFEF.
The acting Gender Equality Minister Irene Montero, who is from the far-left Podemos Party that is in the government coalition, said that Rubiales’ kiss was “a clear example of machismo” and that it “violated Hermoso’s dignity and autonomy”. She also said that she would support any legal action taken by Hermoso or other players against Rubiales.
The acting Sports Minister José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, who is from the Socialist Party, said that Rubiales’ kiss was “inappropriate” and that it “did not correspond to the values of sport”. He also said that he had spoken to Rubiales and asked him to apologise publicly.
Several media outlets also criticised Rubiales for his kiss, saying that it was a “disgusting” and “paternalistic” gesture that overshadowed Spain’s historic achievement of winning their first Women’s World Cup. They also pointed out that Rubiales did not kiss any male players when Spain won the men’s World Cup in 2010.
Many football fans also expressed their anger and disappointment at Rubiales on social media, calling him a “pig”, a “pervert” and a “disgrace”. Some also compared him to former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who was accused of sexual harassment by several women.
Rubiales also caught grabbing his genitals during final game
Rubiales’ kiss was not the only controversial moment involving him during the World Cup final. Another video shared on social media showed him grabbing his genitals as he celebrated during the game, standing near Spain’s Queen Letizia and her daughter Sofia. The gesture was seen as vulgar and disrespectful by many viewers, who questioned his suitability to represent Spanish football.
Rubiales has been the president of the RFEF since 2018, when he replaced Ángel María Villar, who was arrested on corruption charges. He is also a former professional footballer who played for several clubs in Spain and Scotland. He has been credited with improving the conditions and recognition of women’s football in Spain, but he has also faced criticism for his clashes with other football authorities and his handling of some issues related to men’s football.
