Spain’s Soccer Federation President Refuses to Resign Over Controversial Kiss, Team Halts Participation Until He Departs

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Within a week of clinching the Women’s World Cup title, members of the Spanish national team declared on Friday that they would abstain from participating in future matches unless the president of the Spanish Soccer Federation steps down. The call for resignation comes after Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the post-victory celebrations.

Despite facing intense scrutiny and pressure to step down, Rubiales remains steadfast in his decision to continue his tenure. His actions during the championship celebration in Sydney, Australia, have drawn widespread criticism.

On Friday, Hermoso released a statement vehemently opposing Rubiales’ claim that the kiss was consensual. In an emergency federation meeting held in Madrid, the 46-year-old president portrayed himself as a victim.

Rubiales repeatedly stated, “I won’t resign,” drawing applause predominantly from a male audience.

Additional Coverage

• Union Calls for Action Against World Cup Winner Rubiales for Controversial Kiss
• Widespread Outrage After Spain’s Soccer Chief Kisses Women’s World Cup Star
• FIFA Initiates Investigation Against Spanish Official Over Unwanted Kiss

Earlier reports on Thursday from various Spanish media outlets had indicated that Rubiales was considering resignation. Contrarily, on Friday, he asserted that he was being unfairly targeted by “false feminists.”

While Rubiales remains resolute, Rafael del Amo, federation vice president responsible for women’s soccer, announced his resignation. He was followed by at least two other members of the federation, who also called for Rubiales to step down.

Rubiales did not lack for supporters; among those applauding him were coaches for both the men’s and women’s national teams, Jorge Vilda and Luis de la Fuente, respectively. Until the emergency meeting, Rubiales had received scant public backing, with politicians across the spectrum condemning his actions.

Rubiales claimed that Hermoso “lifted me up” and consented to “a little kiss.” Hermoso, however, contradicted this narrative through two separate statements, asserting that she neither consented to the kiss nor initiated the lift.

Further complicating matters, Hermoso accused the federation of pressuring her and her family to issue a statement in defense of Rubiales, an allegation the federation denied.

A statement by FUTPRO, signed by Hermoso, her teammates, and 58 other players, stated that they would cease to represent Spain under the current leadership. Rubiales, in turn, vowed to defend his honor in court against political figures who described his actions as sexual violence.

High-profile support for Hermoso also came from teammate Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner. Meanwhile, President of Spain’s women’s league, Beatriz Álvarez, criticized Rubiales for putting his “ego above his dignity.”

Víctor Francos, secretary of state for sports and head of Spain’s Higher Council for Sports, announced that the government would file a lawsuit against Rubiales for violating sports laws. If guilty, Rubiales could be declared unfit for office.

Protesters, largely female, gathered in front of the federation’s headquarters demanding Rubiales’ resignation. Prominent football clubs and the Spanish league president also issued statements against Rubiales. FIFA has initiated a disciplinary case, while UEFA remains silent on the matter.

Rubiales, who earned 339,000 euros after taxes in 2021 for overseeing a federation with a budget of 382 million euros, is leading Spain’s bid to host the men’s World Cup in 2030. The federation is also responsible for organizing referees for La Liga and runs Spain’s men’s and women’s national soccer teams.

Days before the controversial kiss, Rubiales had also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture, an action for which he later apologized, describing it as a moment of “euphoria.”

Prominent figures in men’s soccer began speaking against Rubiales on Thursday, with their criticisms continuing to emerge.

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For more coverage on the Women’s World Cup: AP Women’s World Cup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Luis Rubiales Resignation Demand

More about Luis Rubiales Resignation Demand

• FIFA Disciplinary Procedures
• Spain’s Higher Council for Sports
• Spanish Women’s National Team Official Website
• FIFPRO Player’s Union Official Statement
• Official Statement from Spain’s Soccer Federation
• AP Women’s World Cup Coverage
• Profile of Jenni Hermoso
• Statements from Spanish Soccer Clubs
• Legal Framework for Spain’s Sports Laws
• Public Sentiment and Protests in Spain