In the wake of Spain’s historic victory at the Women’s World Cup, a scandal of unprecedented proportions unfolded, threatening to overshadow the triumph and plunging the nation into a state of turmoil. The saga that followed the championship win against England is one that will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of Spanish soccer history. In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into the Luis Rubiales Kiss Scandal, exploring the intricate details, key players, and the far-reaching implications of this controversial incident.
The Kiss that Sparked Controversy
The scandal began unfolding mere moments after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory, when Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), kissed midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. The incident took place in the midst of jubilant celebrations, as the nation rejoiced in their historic achievement. However, what followed was a sharp divergence in narratives.
Rubiales, aged 46 at the time, immediately claimed that the kiss was consensual, brushing it off as an exuberant display of celebration in the heat of the moment. Jennifer Hermoso, 33, had a different perspective entirely. She unequivocally stated that she did not give her permission for the kiss and felt violated by Rubiales’ actions.
FIFA’s Intervention
The controversy escalated swiftly, drawing international attention and intervention. FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, suspended Luis Rubiales from his position in the wake of Jennifer Hermoso’s statement. This suspension cast a shadow over Rubiales’ illustrious career, which included not only his role as the president of the RFEF but also his position as one of UEFA’s vice presidents.
A Glimpse into Rubiales’ Background
To understand the context of this scandal, it’s essential to explore Luis Rubiales’ background. Born in Las Palmas on the Canary Islands, Rubiales had a diverse journey in soccer. He started as a professional player, primarily in the Segunda División, representing clubs such as Guadix, Mallorca B, Lleida, Xerez, Levante, and Alicante CF.
Rubiales’ playing career was followed by a transition into administrative roles. In March 2010, he was elected president of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE). This marked a significant step in his career, as he aimed to advocate for the rights of players within the Spanish soccer landscape.
Rise to the Presidency
Rubiales’ ascent continued when he was elected as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in May 2018. One of his pivotal early actions as president was the establishment of fixed wages for leaders of regional federations. This move was aimed at professionalizing the entities and provided €100,000 each for their development, silencing dissenting voices within the RFEF.
However, Rubiales’ tenure was marked by controversy from the outset. He made headlines by dismissing the Spanish national men’s team head coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a move that sent shockwaves through the soccer world.
The Supercopa Files Revelation
In April 2022, Spanish newspaper El Confidencial published leaked documents and audio files known as the “Supercopa Files.” These files contained conversations between Rubiales and footballer Gerard Piqué from 2019, where they discussed commissions related to playing the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia. The revelations implicated Rubiales in financial dealings related to the tournament and raised questions about conflicts of interest.
Accusations of Embezzlement and Misuse of Resources
In 2022, Rubiales faced accusations of embezzlement of RFEF money, allegedly spent on private parties with friends in Salobreña in 2020. Furthermore, he was accused of using federation resources for personal enjoyment, including a trip to New York in 2018, accompanied by a Mexican painter. These allegations painted a troubling picture of financial mismanagement within the RFEF.
Wikipedia Lawsuit and Ongoing Controversies
In December 2022, Luis Rubiales filed a lawsuit against Wikipedia, seeking the removal of content that he believed damaged his reputation. The content in question revolved around various scandals, including the Supercopa de España negotiations and derogatory WhatsApp posts about Spanish league teams.
Fallout from the Women’s World Cup Victory
Despite the growing controversies surrounding Rubiales, the Women’s World Cup victory in August 2023 reignited the spotlight on him. His actions during the medal presentation, including the controversial kiss with Jennifer Hermoso and other inappropriate behavior, drew widespread condemnation.
Calls for Resignation and FIFA’s Response
The fallout from Rubiales’ behavior was swift and severe. Calls for his resignation came from various quarters, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and international footballer Megan Rapinoe. The Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) issued an official statement, demanding Rubiales’ immediate resignation and threatening to invoke the Sports Law against him.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Proceedings
In response to the escalating crisis, FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales. The governing body aimed to address the allegations and controversies surrounding his conduct during and after the Women’s World Cup.
The Extraordinary General Assembly
As pressure mounted on Rubiales to step down, an emergency Extraordinary General Assembly of the RFEF was convened in August 2023. Expectations were high that Rubiales would resign during this meeting. However, he surprised many by refusing to step down, claiming that he was the victim of a “social assassination.”
Player and Public Outcry
Public sentiment against Rubiales continued to grow. Spanish national team players, including Héctor Bellerín and Borja Iglesias, expressed their criticism on social media. Bellerín even announced his refusal to play for Spain until Rubiales resigned. Additionally, former Spain national goalkeepers Iker Casillas and David de Gea joined the chorus of disapproval.
Legal Action and Hunger Strike
On August 25, 2023, the Spanish government filed a complaint in the Sports Administrative Court, alleging “serious misconduct” on Rubiales’ part. Simultaneously, 81 players, including the entire Women’s World Cup-winning squad, issued a joint statement, pledging to boycott the national team until there were changes in RFEF leadership.
Rubiales’ mother, Angeles Bejar, went on a hunger strike in a church in Motril as a protest against the perceived persecution of her son. The situation had escalated to a point where it was affecting not only the world of soccer but also the lives of those close to Rubiales.
Financial and Professional Consequences
The scandal had far-reaching consequences for Luis Rubiales. His salary and privileges were revoked, including his right to an official car from the RFEF. He was also required to return his corporate laptop and phone and barred from using RFEF funds for his legal defense.