Title: Spanish Soccer Federation President Faces Calls for Resignation After Forced Kiss Incident
Date: [Insert Date]
Barcelona, Spain (AP) – Spain’s acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has denounced the president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, for forcibly kissing a player without her consent during the Women’s World Cup championship medal ceremony. The incident has led to calls for Rubiales’ resignation, tarnishing the team’s victory.
During a meeting with the Spanish Women’s World Cup team, Sánchez expressed his admiration for their achievements and criticized Rubiales’ actions. “What we saw is unacceptable,” said Sánchez. “The apologies offered by Mr. Rubiales are not sufficient, I would call them inappropriate, so he must continue taking further steps to clarify what we all saw.”
The forced kiss by Rubiales on player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony has sparked outrage both domestically and internationally. Rubiales initially responded to criticism by calling his detractors “idiots and stupid people” but later issued an apology on Monday.
The unsolicited kiss, during which Rubiales grabbed Hermoso’s face before kissing her on the mouth, has been condemned as an act of “sexual assault” by the country’s equality minister. It could potentially be pursued as a crime under a new sexual violence law. Furthermore, Rubiales’ victory gesture, which involved grabbing his crotch, took place in the presence of Princess Infanta Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain.
The opposition party in Spain has joined in denouncing Rubiales’ behavior, leaving him without any support from major public or political figures. Despite not having the authority to call for his resignation, Sánchez emphasized the need for Rubiales to provide clearer and more compelling apologies.
Spain’s players union, led by Rubiales in the past, has called for the Spanish Higher Council for Sports to take action against him if he does not step down. The union cited Spain’s sports law, which sanctions acts that “damage the dignity” of someone or “create an atmosphere of intimidation” based on unwanted conduct related to gender or race.
In response to the incident, Spain’s Higher Council for Sports has received a formal complaint against Rubiales and is currently studying it. Jenni Hermoso, the player involved in the incident, has refrained from commenting, stating that she believes the focus should be on the team’s World Cup victory.
Upon the team’s return to Madrid, Sánchez announced that the players will be awarded Spain’s golden medal of sports achievement. He also highlighted the importance of gender equality and women’s rights in the development of athletes, saying, “The 21st century will be the century of women on all fronts, and the century of effective equality between men and women.”
Luis Rubiales, a former player and the current president of the Spanish soccer federation, has faced previous controversies during his tenure. Despite his involvement in promoting a joint bid to host the men’s World Cup in 2030, FIFA and UEFA have remained silent on his conduct at the Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales is up for re-election next year, with the president of the soccer federation chosen by representatives of clubs, players, coaches, referees, and regional federation heads.