FIFA, the international soccer governing authority, has begun an inquiry into Luis Rubiales, the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) president, following footage of him forcibly kissing Jennifer Hermoso, a star player from Spain’s triumphant World Cup team.
According to FIFA, this incident may breach the provisions of Article 13 of their Disciplinary Code, which addresses violations of the game’s laws, particularly those concerning “appropriate conduct.”
In the wake of Spain’s World Cup triumph, Rubiales is facing intensifying criticism, notably from prominent entities in Spanish women’s soccer, for his actions. The association representing female soccer players in Spain demands consequences for Rubiales, condemning both “sexism” and “machismo.”
The Association of Professional Soccer Players (FUTPRO) emphasized, “Our world champion team should always be epitomized by figures endorsing respect and equality.” They are dedicated to ensuring players remain protected from such objectionable actions.
The incident happened after Spain’s 1-0 win against England. Hermoso, 33, conveyed her discomfort and surprise regarding the kiss. In a recent statement, she revealed that she, along with her agency TMJ, would be actively addressing this issue.
Amnesty International also extended its support to Hermoso, urging RFEF to adopt prompt measures, centering on the player’s safety. If not addressed by RFEF, the organization plans to approach the Spanish High Council of Sport (CSD).
In a sharp rebuke, Spain’s women’s soccer league, Liga F, labelled Rubiales’s actions as “repugnant” and filed a formal grievance with CSD. Their statement highlighted that such behaviour tarnishes major accomplishments in Spanish sports.
Acknowledging the blunder, Rubiales expressed regret. He clarified his perspective, stating that the act was perceived differently within their circle than in the public domain. Yet, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez voiced that this apology was insufficient.
This incident drew wide condemnation, with various figures terming Rubiales’s actions as distasteful.
The football federation plans to deliberate on this matter in an upcoming assembly, despite it not being listed in the official agenda. If the federation remains passive, CSD President Victor Francos intends to intervene.
This issue arises amidst an ongoing rift between Spain’s players, their coach Jorge Vilda, and the federation. Last year, 15 senior women’s team members threatened to resign unless substantial modifications were made in the coaching department. This was compounded by another scandal involving Vilda in a separate incident during the World Cup.
The controversies surrounding Spanish soccer, from its top leadership to coaching staff, underscore the necessity of greater oversight and accountability within the world of sports. As the world continues to evolve, promoting values of respect, equality, and decency remains paramount. With major global entities like FIFA stepping in, it’s hoped that such incidents will not only see due justice but will catalyze systemic changes within sports organizations. As the Spanish women’s team celebrates their historic World Cup win, it’s imperative that their achievements aren’t overshadowed by off-field incidents but rather serve as a beacon for positive change.
