Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales to resign after kissing incident

Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales is expected to resign after he was forced to apologise for kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso when her team won the FIFA Women’s World Cup last week.

Rubiales faced heavy criticism after he inappropriately kissed Hermoso on the lips during the after match presentation on stage. There was also footage of the Spanish football chief grabbing his genitals during Spain’s 1-0 win over England, while standing close to Spain’s Queen Letizia and her daughter.

The criticism came from all over the globe, including from Spain’s prime minister, who said Rubiales’ apology was “insufficient”.

Although Rubiales did release an apology, he initally doubled down on his actions, saying anyone who thought it was inappropriate were “idiots and stupid people.”

On Thursday, Hermoso issued a joint statement with the women’s football union FUTPRO, calling on the Royal Spanish Football Federation to take action against Rubiales.

“My union FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency TMJ are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter,” the statement said.

“From FUTPRO we express our firm and resounding condemnation of conduct that violates the dignity of women.

“From our association, we ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures.

“It is essential that our national team, current world champion, is always represented by figures that project values of equality and respect in all areas.

“It is necessary to continue to advance in the fight for equality, a fight that our female players have led with determination, bringing us to the position we are in today.”

In respones, FIFA issued a statement, indicating action would be taken against Rubiales.

“The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish FA, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 20 August 2023,” the governing body said.

“The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The FIFA disciplinary committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter.

“FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.”

Spain’s women’s football league, La Liga F, also spoke out about Rubiales, saying any justifications for his actions were inadequate.

“For a boss to grab his employee by the head and kiss her on the mouth simply cannot be tolerated,” the league said.

“The subsequent justifications are, as the prime minister described it, ‘inadequate.’

“It’s not just about the kiss. Celebrating the triumph on the presidential balcony while holding his genitals next to the queen is unacceptable and disgusting.”

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