Spain Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Football President Over Controversial World Cup Behavior; Luis Rubiales Ends His Silence

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The Spanish government has initiated a formal legal process against Luis Rubiales, the temporarily suspended head of the Spanish Football Federation, who broke his silence last Friday, contending that he is the target of a character assassination campaign.

Rubiales has been at the epicenter of severe critique and calls for his resignation due to his actions during and subsequent to Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory in Sydney. Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and made an obscene celebratory gesture, which was globally televised, earning him national disgrace.

The government’s legal committee on sports matters has opened a formal case against Rubiales, who is also a vice president of UEFA. The panel aims to determine whether Rubiales abused his position by kissing Hermoso and tarnished Spain’s image and reputation on the global sports stage, as claimed by the government. Rubiales could face a two-year ban from office.

Context

A file photo from August 22, 2023, shows Luis Rubiales with Spain’s Women’s World Cup team at La Moncloa Palace in Madrid after being greeted by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Rubiales’ behavior has ignited debates on gender equality and appears set to become a landmark moment in both the history of Spanish football and women’s rights.

Governmental and Public Reaction

Miquel Iceta, Spain’s acting minister of culture and sport, stated, “At a moment when the international community was focused on our athletes, his conduct inflicted irreparable harm to both our sport and nation.”

In his first public declaration since his refusal to step down a week prior, Rubiales asserted he was subjected to a “witch hunt” perpetrated by “false feminists.” On Friday, Rubiales admitted to “obvious mistakes” for which he was “deeply remorseful.” He claimed the kiss with Hermoso was “mutual and consensual,” a claim firmly refuted by the player.

Rubiales also stated that he has cooperated with both FIFA’s and the federation’s internal investigations, asserting that he has been subjected to an “unprecedented media and political vilification,” both within Spain and internationally.

The panel’s characterization of Rubiales’ acts as “serious” as opposed to “very serious” has thwarted the government’s plans for immediate suspension. The government will request the panel to consider provisional suspension, while FIFA’s 90-day suspension continues.

Fallout and Repercussions

Support for Rubiales has dwindled, even among his initial backers. Spain men’s coach Luis de la Fuente apologized for having previously applauded Rubiales’ anti-feminist remarks.

Last week, Hermoso identified herself as a victim of abuse of power and accused the federation of attempting to coerce her into supporting Rubiales. In response, the federation has since advised Rubiales to resign, suspended his salary, and commanded the return of his federation-provided car, laptop, and mobile phone.

Internationally and within Spain, support for Hermoso has been overwhelming. Alejandro Blanco, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee, urged Rubiales to apologize and consider resignation. Earlier in the week, the United Nations Human Rights office also expressed its support for Hermoso and the fight against abuse and sexism in sports.

The legal panel has not set a time frame for concluding its investigation into the case.

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More about Luis Rubiales legal case

• Spanish Football Federation Official Statement
• FIFA Disciplinary Actions
• Spanish Government Legal Committee
• Gender Equality in Sports
• Profile of Jenni Hermoso
• UEFA Official Website
• United Nations Human Rights Office Statement
• Spanish Olympic Committee
• Latest Soccer News