FIFA Suspends Spanish Soccer President for Controversial World Cup Kiss.
FIFA has decided to suspend Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, following allegations by star player Jenni Hermoso that he engaged in a nonconsensual kiss during the celebrations of Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory.
The suspension entails a provisional 90-day ban from all football-related activities at national and international levels, as declared by soccer’s governing body in an official statement on Saturday.
The suspension also includes an order for Rubiales and representatives of the Royal Spanish Football Federation to refrain from contacting Hermoso and those close to her, as per the statement. This move follows the decision made by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, indicating that Rubiales had been informed of the consequences.
This announcement came shortly after the Spanish soccer federation declared its intention to take legal action to defend Rubiales from what they referred to as “lies.” The union asserted that Rubiales planned to support himself through appropriate legal channels, placing trust in FIFA’s process to ensure justice was served and his innocence was proven.
Hermoso released a statement on Friday asserting that she did not consent to the kiss and felt vulnerable and victimized by the incident. She rejected Rubiales’ explanation of the event as “categorically false,” indicative of a manipulative culture he had fostered.
The incident occurred when Rubiales presented gold medals to the team following their 1-0 triumph over England in Sydney. He hugged and kissed Hermoso during this celebration.
Despite speculation about his potential resignation, Rubiales, who described the kiss as “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual,” declined to step down despite the controversy.
During an emergency general assembly of the federation, he repeatedly stated, “I won’t resign, ” and accused his critics of launching a witch hunt driven by “false feminists.”
In his defense, Rubiales mentioned that he had asked Hermoso for “a little kiss?” while she was lifting him in celebration, and she had agreed. He likened the kiss to one he would give his daughters. Hermoso, in her statement, countered Rubiales’ narrative, denying that the kiss was consensual and clarifying that she never sought to lift the president.
Hermoso’s stance garnered support from various quarters, including the Spanish government. While they lacked the authority to terminate Rubiales, they strongly condemned his actions and pursued a legal procedure to suspend him through a sports tribunal.
Acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz labeled Rubiales’ Friday speech “unacceptable” and emphasized the end of impunity for such behavior.
The Women’s World Cup-winning squad of all 23 players rallied behind Hermoso’s claims. They joined forces with 32 other squad members in a collective decision to boycott international matches as long as Rubiales retained his position as the head of the federation.
The Association of Professional Soccer Players in Spain condemned Rubiales’ actions through their FUTPRO union. They expressed sadness that such an event could overshadow the tremendous success of Spanish women’s football.
Additionally, they declared that players who signed their statement would not return to the National Team if the current leadership persisted.
Furthermore, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee revealed they had initiated an investigation into Rubiales’ conduct. The body released a statement indicating his actions may breach their disciplinary code.
Gender-related issues have recently gained significant prominence in Spain, with large-scale protests against sexual abuse and violence.
The country’s Socialist-led coalition government has implemented legal reforms addressing equal pay, abortion, sex work, and transgender rights, signaling their commitment to advancing gender equality and protection.
