Players’ Union Demands Consequences for Inappropriate Conduct by Spanish Soccer Federation President

The players’ union representing Jenni Hermoso, the Women’s World Cup champion who was kissed without her consent by Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, called for sanctions against Rubiales’ behavior on Wednesday.

Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward crucial to Spain’s team, indicated in a statement that both the FUTPRO players’ union and her agent would act as her advocates. The union emphasized, “Our objective is to ensure that actions like those we have recently witnessed are penalized, appropriate sanctions are imposed, and preventive steps are undertaken to shield soccer players from unacceptable behaviors.”

Following Spain’s 1-0 win over England on Sunday, Hermoso expressed her discomfort with the unsolicited kiss during a live-streamed video, stating, “I did not appreciate it, but what could I do?”

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the federation issued a statement ostensibly from Hermoso that seemed to minimize the episode. A subsequent report from sports website Relevo.com alleged that the federation pressured Hermoso into issuing this statement, a claim the federation has denied.

Additionally, Relevo.com reported that Rubiales had requested Hermoso’s presence in an apology video, a request she declined. Team captain Ivana Andrés also declined to appear in the video.

Víctor Francos, Spain’s Secretary of State for Sports and president of Spain’s Higher Council for Sports, argued that the focus should not be on Hermoso. Francos lamented the negative impact of Rubiales’ conduct on Spain’s image, particularly as the country vies for a joint bid to host the 2030 Men’s World Cup. He stated, “The leaders of Spanish sports have certainly not portrayed the country in a favorable light.”

Calls are intensifying for Rubiales to resign or for the government to facilitate his removal through legal channels. Adding to the embarrassment, Rubiales also made a crude gesture of grabbing his crotch during the award ceremony.

As for the consequences, the federation has initiated an internal probe into whether Rubiales violated its anti-sexism policy. Francos has requested the results by Monday and is reviewing three formal complaints filed against Rubiales to determine if they constitute a breach of Spain’s sports law.

While the Higher Council for Sports can refer potential violations to Spain’s administrative court, Francos stressed that the process must be allowed to unfold, stating, “Sports federations are private entities operating autonomously, and even if we wished to, we couldn’t forcibly remove the federation’s president.”

The global players’ union FIFPRO has called on FIFA to investigate Rubiales according to the world soccer’s code of ethics, which mandates dignified and ethical behavior from its officials.

Separately, Spain’s championship coach is also under scrutiny for touching a female assistant in the chest area during the team’s goal celebration, though no formal accusations have been made against him.

The federation has yet to comment on this issue.

Spain secured its victory less than a year after 15 players threatened to leave the team unless significant operational changes were made. Three players subsequently rejoined the team for the Women’s World Cup.

Tales Azzoni contributed reporting from Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Luis Rubiales Controversy

More about Luis Rubiales Controversy

• FIFA Code of Ethics
• Spanish Sports Law (In Spanish)
• FIFPRO Official Website
• Statement from Spain’s Higher Council for Sports
• Relevo.com Sports Reporting
• Spain’s Joint Bid for 2030 World Cup
• AP Women’s World Cup Coverage
• Spain Soccer Federation’s Anti-Sexism Policy (In Spanish)