Luis Rubiales, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, is currently embroiled in a storm of controversy after an incident at the Women’s World Cup medals ceremony held in Australia. Rubiales faced severe backlash for his spontaneous act of kissing Jennifer Hermoso, a significant player from the victorious Spanish women’s football team, on the lips during the ceremony.
Despite widespread calls for his resignation following the event, Rubiales took a staunch position in a subsequent federation meeting. “I will not resign,” Rubiales asserted multiple times, denouncing the critics and labeling the situation as “social assassination.” He further accused detractors of promoting “false feminism.”
As an autonomous body, the Spanish soccer federation operates with limited governmental interference. However, in light of Rubiales’ remarks, the government is taking definitive steps towards his suspension. Víctor Francos, President of the National Sports Council and Secretary of State for Sports, confirmed this stance on Cadena SER radio, asserting that they’ve initiated all necessary procedures to act accordingly.
