Outrage Sparked by Spanish Soccer Leader’s Behavior during Women’s World Cup Final

48

Following Spain’s triumph in the Women’s World Cup, the head of the nation’s soccer federation drew attention away from the victorious players due to his controversial actions.

Criticism flooded in from both the Spanish government and the soccer community as Luis Rubiales, the leader of Spain’s national soccer federation, faced backlash for his inappropriate behavior while celebrating Spain’s 1-0 victory against England in the final held in Sydney, Australia.

Rubiales came under fire for making an offensive victory gesture by grabbing his crotch, seemingly oblivious to the presence of 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía nearby. Additionally, he kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal and trophy ceremony on the field. His actions cast a shadow on what should have been a momentous occasion for women’s soccer.

The kiss was strongly condemned by the world players’ union FIFPRO, which labeled it as “deeply lamentable.” Rubiales, a former leader of FIFPRO’s Spanish branch, took up his position as head of the national soccer federation in 2018.

Spain’s acting minister for sports and culture, Miquel Iceta, expressed his disapproval on public broadcaster RNE, stating that “it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her.”

An even more vehement reaction came from Irene Montero, the Spanish government’s equality minister. She commented on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), emphasizing that the act constituted a form of sexual violence that women experience daily and should not be normalized.

Given the sport’s history of allegations involving sexual misconduct by male soccer officials and coaches against female players in national teams, the kiss was particularly shocking. During the qualifying rounds for the World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, two teams—Haiti and Zambia—had to address such issues.

Notably, the Spain squad faced internal issues the previous year due to complaints about the team culture under coach Jorge Vilda, nearly leading to a mutiny.

After the match, Rubiales hugged and kissed several players, including Queen Letizia of Spain, as they collected their medals. In a dressing room video, players were seen laughing and reacting to the incident, with Hermoso stating, “But I didn’t like it!” Her gesture suggested a sense of helplessness in the situation.

The Spanish soccer federation attempted to defuse the controversy by releasing a statement on Hermoso’s behalf, attributing the gesture to the “immense joy of winning a World Cup” and describing it as a spontaneous display of affection and gratitude.

FIFPRO, based in the Netherlands, held a different stance, deeming such physical gestures towards players initiated by individuals in positions of power as inappropriate and unacceptable.

Rubiales, who also serves as a UEFA vice president, was present at the final in Australia as the highest-ranking elected representative of the European soccer body. Videos captured his celebratory gestures after Spain’s victory, including an action where he briefly grabbed his crotch.

With a crucial role in securing hosting rights for the men’s World Cup in 2030, Rubiales faces the task of engaging soccer officials in the upcoming year. Spain, leading a joint bid with Portugal, Morocco, and Ukraine, is favored for a successful bid.

Both UEFA and FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding Rubiales’s conduct.

(Dunbar’s report from Geneva and contribution by Ciaran Giles from Big Big News)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Outrage

More about Outrage

• FIFPRO Statement on Rubiales’ Behavior
• AP Women’s World Cup Coverage