Spain’s football federation, known as the RFEF, has pledged to take legal action in defense of its president Lusi Rubiales, who is currently embroiled in an intense scandal for kissing Jenni Hermoso, a star player from the national women’s team, without her consent after their World Cup victory.
The RFEF released a statement declaring that it would launch an official investigation to expose alleged lies about the incident perpetrated by Hermoso and her representatives. No specifics were given about what type of legal action it planned to pursue. Even though criticism grows, Rubiales has steadfastly refused to step down from his position, describing the controversial incident as a “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual” kiss.
Hermoso, on the other hand, claimed that she did not consent to the kiss and felt “vulnerable” and victimised. Her allegations have garnered the backing of the Spanish government, which, although it does not have the authority to terminate Rubiales, has vehemently condemned his actions and moved towards his suspension through a legal sports tribunal.
In a bold move, the Spanish women’s team along with 32 other squad members rejected to play further international matches while Rubiales remained at his post. The joint statement, released through their FUTPRO union, also revealed Hermoso’s denial of Rubiales’ claim that the kiss was consensual.
In response, the federation said it will establish “facts and evidence” against what it deemed lies by Hermoso and her camp, stating that its president would “show each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself”.
“The RFEF and the President, given the seriousness of the content of the press release from the FUTPRO Union, will initiate the corresponding legal actions,” RFEF said in its statement. “Where there is rule of law … opinions are counteracted with facts and evidence, and lies are rebutted in court.
“The RFEF and the President will show each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself.”
Rubiales appears determined to stay in his position, accusing “false feminists” of trying to take him down. Meanwhile, the ongoing scandal has invited heavy scorn from public and social media. The English national team offered their support to Hermoso, highlighting the increasing global awareness around such issues of consent and gender rights.
