maximum pressure on the president of the Spanish football federation

2023-08-26 15:31:59

The pressure on the president of the Spanish football federation, accused of having forcibly kissed the player Jenni Hermoso after the victorious final of the World Cup on Sunday August 20, becomes untenable. Saturday August 26, Fifa announced the temporary suspension of Luis Rubiales “of any football-related activity at national and international level”, adding that this measure would last at least 90 days, pending the progress of the procedures opened against the Spaniard. A little later, it was the coach of the men’s team of Spain, Luis de la Fuente, who condemned the behavior “inappropriate” of its president.

The day before, the 23 players of the national team had made it known that they would refuse to play again in selection under the current management of the federation. Spanish international Jenni Hermoso, 33, said on Friday evening that she felt “vulnerable and victim of aggression” when she was kissed by Luis Rubiales, 46, during the presentation of the World Cup trophy, after claiming that this kiss “was not consented”.

“A sexist and patriarchal organization”

Spanish basketball legend Pau Gasol has expressed his ” support “ to Jenni Hermoso on the X social network (ex-Twitter). Several clubs, players and coaches of the men’s Liga have also condemned the behavior of the boss of Spanish football. On Saturday August 26, players from the England national team, finalists against Spain last Sunday, denounced “the unacceptable actions permitted by a sexist and patriarchal organization. Mugging is mugging and we’ve all seen the truth! »in a press release posted on social networks.

Forced kiss: Spanish football tainted by machismo

At the origin of this barrage, the refusal of the boss of Spanish football, in office since 2018, to resign. On Friday, Luis Rubiales assured that this kiss after the August 20 final was “reciprocal” et “consented” and that he had obtained permission to do so, before castigating the “false feminism”. The Spanish Federation flew to the aid of its president, calling it ” lies “ the charges against him.

“The image of a macho Spain”

Already nicknamed the “#MeToo of Spanish football”, this affair took on a political resonance. Spanish Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said on Saturday that the government would ask the TAD (Administrative Sports Court) to meet on Monday. “If the TAD accepts the government’s complaint, we will immediately proceed with the suspension of the functions of president of the federation”he warned in a daily interview The country.

The Minister also deplored “an episode that brought us the image of a macho Spain”, while the country is often presented as a leader in the fight against violence against women. The affair splashes the image of Spanish sport, while the country is a candidate for the organization of the Men’s World Cup in 2030 with Portugal and Morocco, the award of which is scheduled for the end of next year.