Scandal Erupts in Spanish Soccer Federation Following Women’s World Cup Victory
Madrid, Spain (CNN) – Spain’s soccer federation, RFEF, is facing internal turmoil just a week after the country’s women’s team clinched their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory. The scandal began when the head of RFEF, Luis Rubiales, kissed midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the lips shortly after the team’s historic 1-0 win against England. Rubiales, 46, claims that the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso, 33, insists that she did not give her permission and felt violated.
Following the incident, the Spanish World Cup winners have refused to play, prompting the RFEF to threaten legal action. Rubiales, however, is determined to “fight to the end.” FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, provisionally suspended Rubiales over the weekend, leading the RFEF to call for an “extraordinary and urgent” meeting on Monday to address the situation.
The controversy unfolded during the medal ceremony after Spain’s victory on August 20. During the ceremony, Rubiales hugged and kissed several players, including Hermoso. Although the beginning of their encounter was not captured on live television, the footage showed Rubiales with his arms around Hermoso’s shoulders and then kissing her on the lips before she continued down the procession.
Hermoso publicly stated that she did not give consent for the kiss, describing it as a “sexist, out of place act” that violated her. Rubiales initially admitted to making a mistake but later defended his actions, claiming that the kiss was spontaneous and consensual. He has refused to resign, despite facing heavy criticism and potential job loss.
FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales and provisionally suspended him from all football-related activities. FUTPRO, the Spanish players’ union, has called for his punishment, while global players’ union FIFPRO has demanded immediate disciplinary action. The president of Spain’s High Council of Sport also expressed support for Rubiales’ suspension.
In response, RFEF vice president Rafael del Amo and 11 members of the Spanish national women’s soccer program have resigned. Players have threatened to boycott competitions as long as Rubiales remains in his position. Their coach, Jorge Vilda, is also embroiled in controversy after a video emerged showing him seemingly inappropriately touching a female staff member during the World Cup final.
Public figures, including politicians and high-profile players, have condemned Rubiales’ behavior. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized his initial apology as “unacceptable” and called for his resignation. The RFEF, however, continues to support Rubiales, accusing Hermoso of lying and threatening legal action against her and others.
The Spanish football federation’s decision has created a significant divide with its partners, including FIFA, the Spanish government, and the unions representing Spanish football players. The incident has raised concerns about sexism and machismo in Spain, prompting the players’ union to pledge to fight against such behavior and demand better protection for football players.
The future of Rubiales in his position as head of the RFEF remains uncertain. While pressure for him to step down mounts, the impact of the scandal has shed light on the need to address issues of gender equality in Spanish soccer.