Amidst a wave of international criticism following his controversial and offensive celebrations after Spain’s World Cup victory, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is demanding the resignation of suspended president Luis Rubiales.
In response to the recent developments and the unacceptable conduct that has severely tarnished the reputation of Spanish soccer, a consortium of regional presidents within the RFEF issued a statement on Monday, following an emergency meeting, urging Luis Rubiales to step down from his position as president of the RFEF.
This announcement comes just days after Rubiales was suspended by FIFA for a minimum of 90 days. His suspension was a result of his refusal to resign following an incident during the World Cup trophy ceremony, where he initiated an unsolicited kiss on the lips of Spain’s midfielder Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales contended that the kiss was “mutual and consensual,” but Hermoso rejected this claim, asserting that she was “a victim of assault.”
The coalition of regional presidents expressed “unanimous support” for RFEF Vice President Pedro Rocha, who has taken on the role of interim president subsequent to Rubiales’ suspension by FIFA. Their intention is to facilitate a “profound and imminent organizational restructure in key positions within the Federation,” aiming to usher in a new phase of management in Spanish football, as articulated in the statement.
Jenni Hermoso, together with more than 80 current and former Spanish players, including the entire 2023 World Cup-winning team, signed a joint statement, vowing not to participate in national team activities until Rubiales relinquishes his position.
Rubiales’ actions were met with widespread condemnation, not only due to the unauthorized kiss bestowed upon Hermoso, but also for an explicit gesture he made, grabbing his crotch, immediately after Spain’s 1-0 World Cup triumph over England. This gesture was executed while he was in the presence of Queen Letizia of Spain and the 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía. Although Rubiales apologized for the lewd gesture committed in the presence of the Spanish royal family, he steadfastly maintained his innocence regarding the kiss shared with Hermoso. He resolutely pledged to “fight to the end.”
FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Thursday.
Earlier on Monday, Rubiales’ mother, Ángeles Béjar, commenced a hunger strike and vowed to remain within a church “around the clock” in Spain until the perceived “inhumane hounding” of her son ceases.
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