Amidst a storm of controversy and criticism, Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, has chosen not to resign from his position. The uproar stems from Rubiales kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the award ceremony after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Addressing an emergency general assembly of the federation, Rubiales defiantly stated “I won’t resign” four times in quick succession. He labeled himself as a target of a “witch hunt by false feminists,” asserting that the kiss was “mutual and with consent.”
Luis Rubiales
The incident occurred during the award ceremony following Spain’s victory over England in the final in Sydney, Australia. Rubiales’ kiss, captured on camera, marred the celebratory atmosphere and drew widespread condemnation, both nationally and internationally.
Rubiales’ Defiant Justification
Rubiales adamantly insisted that the kiss had the mutual consent of Hermoso, stating that she had lifted him up in celebration and he had asked for “a little kiss,” to which she allegedly agreed. Despite the backlash, Rubiales received applause from an overwhelmingly male assembly, including notable figures like women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda and men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
Hermoso’s Reaction and Subsequent Developments
In the aftermath of the kiss, Jenni Hermoso voiced her discomfort in a video streamed on social media, saying “I didn’t like it, but what can I do.” Her players’ union issued a statement on her behalf, vowing to defend her interests and ensure that the incident “does not go unpunished.” The federation’s initial response, attributed to Hermoso, downplayed the incident, but local media reports suggested that Hermoso was coerced into making the statement, a claim that the federation denies.
Mounting Pressure and International Scrutiny
As the controversy continued to escalate, Rubiales faced growing calls for his resignation from multiple quarters, including Spain’s acting prime minister, players’ unions, and various soccer voices within the country. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) remained silent on the matter, despite Rubiales holding a vice president position within the organization. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) opened a disciplinary case against Rubiales, investigating whether his conduct violated their code of conduct.
Legal Implications and Future Consequences
The Higher Council of Sports in Spain vowed to address the formal complaints filed against Rubiales to determine if his actions breached Spain’s sports law or the federation’s own code of conduct regarding sexist acts. Should he be found in violation, he could be declared unfit to hold his office by Spain’s Administrative Court for Sports.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Rubiales remains resolute in his position, maintaining that his actions were innocuous and consensual. The fallout from this incident continues to be a significant point of discussion within both the soccer community and broader society.