SPAIN: The Spanish soccer scene has been thrown into turmoil as Luis Rubiales, head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), rejects calls for his resignation amidst a scandal involving a controversial kiss shared with star player Jenni Hermoso.
The incident has led to a show of rebellion from the national team and has garnered criticism from the government for Rubiales’ perceived “macho actions.”
Following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory, Rubiales faced backlash for his actions, which included touching Jenni Hermoso’s head and kissing her on the lips.
This sparked outrage among the team and drew condemnation from government officials for what they termed as disrespectful behavior.
The entire victorious team, comprising 23 players led by Jenni Hermoso, along with 32 other squad members, has jointly declared their refusal to participate in international matches as long as Rubiales retains his position as the head of RFEF.
The players’ union, FUTPRO, has been instrumental in orchestrating this unified stand.
Hermoso refuted Rubiales’ claim that the kiss was consensual and released a statement asserting, “I do not tolerate it when my word is put into doubt, and less so when words that I have not said are invented.”
In a subsequent social media post, she expressed feeling “vulnerable and a victim of aggression,” stating that she had not been respected.
The controversy escalated when it was revealed that the RFEF had allegedly pressured Hermoso to defend Rubiales’ actions.
This incident marked the culmination of a series of issues that players had been criticizing for years.
An emergency meeting of the federation was convened, leading to widespread expectations that Rubiales would step down.
Contrary to predictions, Rubiales vehemently refused to resign, dismissing the outcry as the work of “false feminists” and maintaining his determination to continue in his role.
Rubiales referred to the kiss as a “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual” gesture. He claimed that Hermoso had given her consent when he asked permission for the peck.
As the drama unfolded, Rubiales faced criticism for his reactions, including from acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz, who deemed his statement “unacceptable.”
Calls for accountability have grown louder, with demands for urgent action against what is perceived as macho behavior.
Irene Montero, acting minister of equality, called for the state prosecutor and the government-run sports council, CSD, to protect Hermoso.
FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales following Hermoso’s statement, and the government expressed its desire for a legal suspension of Rubiales through a sports tribunal.
In the broader context of gender concerns in Spain, the government has enacted significant legal changes addressing issues such as pay equality, abortion, sex work, and transgender rights.
As protests against sexual abuse and violence gain momentum, the incident has taken on added significance.
Teammates, including Alexia Putellas, and male players like Borja Iglesias have expressed their solidarity with Hermoso.
Rubiales’ actions and the ensuing controversy have not only disrupted the soccer community but also highlighted ongoing challenges related to gender dynamics in Spain.
Also Read: Spain’s Football Chief Issues Apology after Kissing World Cup Winner Jenni Hermoso
