By Daniel Edu
Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain’s football federation, has been temporarily suspended by FIFA after an incident involving a kiss on the lips with Spanish Women’s World Cup player Jenni Hermoso. In response, FIFA has imposed a 90-day suspension on Rubiales from all football-related activities at both national and international levels. This action comes as part of ongoing disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old.
FIFA’s decision also includes a prohibition on Rubiales and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) from making contact with Hermoso and individuals close to her.
The suspension adds to the growing feud involving Rubiales, RFEF, and Hermoso along with her fellow Spain teammates. The players, who recently clinched victory in the World Cup held in Australia, are alleging that their triumph has been overshadowed by the ongoing dispute.
Hermoso accused Rubiales and the federation of pressuring her and her associates to appear in a video alongside Rubiales, wherein he apologized for the aforementioned kiss. However, she declined the request. Rubiales, for his part, refused to step down from his position, leading the federation to threaten legal action over Hermoso’s statements regarding the incident.
Hermoso categorically denied consenting to the kiss, which Rubiales had described as “mutual, euphoric and consensual” after Spain’s win against England. The RFEF countered Hermoso’s claim with images attempting to demonstrate that she did indeed lift up Rubiales, supporting his version of events.
As the dispute escalated, Hermoso and 80 other Spain players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, announced their strike, vowing not to participate in national team activities until there’s a change in leadership. Rubiales, in the midst of severe criticism, labeled himself a victim of a “social assassination.”
In response to Rubiales’ assertion of consensuality, Hermoso strongly refuted it, stating that she felt “vulnerable and the victim of an assault.” She asserted her stance through her Futpro union.
The RFEF published evidence on their website aimed at corroborating Rubiales’ account, depicting Hermoso lifting him. Their legal threats extended not only to Hermoso and Futpro but also to anyone who might have tarnished “the president’s honorability.”
The Spanish government also initiated a process that could potentially lead to Rubiales’ suspension from his post.
Hermoso’s union, Futpro, emphasized that the strike of 81 players was aimed at catalyzing change within the system. England’s World Cup runners-up voiced support for Hermoso through a statement on social media, condemning the incident and expressing solidarity.
Previously, 15 Spain players had taken a stance against the federation and coach Jorge Vilda, with some relenting before the World Cup. Now, Hermoso, along with players such as Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, declared they won’t represent Spain until changes in leadership are realized.
The federation issued a statement that seemingly contained an implicit warning to the striking players, acknowledging their decision while also highlighting the obligation of national team duty for all affiliated members when called upon.
