Title: Spanish Soccer Chief’s Mother Hospitalized after Hunger Strike in Protest of Son’s Suspension
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CNN — The mother of Luis Rubiales, the beleaguered Spanish soccer chief, was taken to the hospital after going on a hunger strike in support of her son. According to a local priest, Ángeles Béjar locked herself in the Divina Pastora church in her hometown of Motril, Spain, to protest the treatment of her son after he was suspended by FIFA for forcibly kissing World Cup player Jennifer Hermoso at the final.
Father Antonio, the priest at the church, confirmed that Béjar had been taken to the hospital on Wednesday. He stated, “I need to tell you that she has had a crisis, she has worsened and they needed to take her urgently to the hospital.” Béjar had been feeling “anguished and dizzy,” and had complained of irregularities with her heartbeat.
Béjar’s hunger strike, which she started on Monday, aimed to protest what she called an “inhumane, bloodthirsty hunt” against her son. Despite recently being in poor health, Béjar’s friend believed she would hold out until the end. This hunger strike has garnered significant attention and generated anger from the women’s team against Rubiales’ leadership.
The controversy surrounding Rubiales began after Spain’s victory over England in the World Cup final earlier this month. Rubiales was suspended by FIFA for forcibly kissing Jennifer Hermoso, who claimed that she did not give her consent and felt violated. Rubiales admitted to making a mistake but maintained that the act was consensual.
As a result of his suspension, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) appointed an interim president to replace Rubiales for the duration of his 90-day ban from football-related activities. All 19 regional presidents of the soccer federation have called for Rubiales to resign, expressing unanimous support for interim president Pedro Rocha.
The pressure on Rubiales to step down from his position as RFEF president has only intensified after his refusal to do so during the federation’s Extraordinary General Assembly. Spanish prosecutors are also considering whether to press sexual aggression charges against Rubiales.
Rubiales continues to face criticism from players, politicians, union officials, and even the United Nations. Protesters have taken to the streets in Madrid, escalating calls for his resignation. Paloma Torres, a 29-year-old lawyer who protested against Rubiales, stated, “We are all very angry at this because all women have suffered some kind of abuse.”
As Luis Rubiales’ mother remains hospitalized, the controversy surrounding his leadership and the consequences of his actions continue to unfold. The Spanish soccer community and the public await further developments in this ongoing saga.
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