FIFA has suspended Spanish federation chief Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for three months as it delves into the scandalous allegations of an unwanted kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s women triumphed in the World Cup.
With immediate effect, Rubiales will be barred from national and international engagements, as declared by the disciplinary committee chief Jorge Ivan Palacio. The world of football has been rocked by this controversy since Thursday when FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales for his actions in Sydney.
The 46-year-old has vehemently defended himself, claiming his “complete innocence” and vowing to fight back. However, the unwanted kiss has been universally condemned by Hermoso, her teammates, and even the Spanish government, leaving Rubiales standing alone in his defiant stance.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) expressed its respect for FIFA’s decision, signaling a potential rift within the organization. Rubiales, through the federation, announced his intention to legally defend himself and expressed confidence in FIFA’s ability to uphold the truth and prove his innocence.
As the controversy rages on, the public sentiment seems to be leaning towards FIFA’s action, with former England and Barcelona player Gary Lineker expressing his relief on social media. Rubiales, who had pledged to revolutionize the RFEF upon his election in 2018, now finds himself embroiled in a scandal that has sparked feminist protests and demands for his resignation.
While he remains steadfast in his position, the Spanish government has launched legal procedures to suspend him, and the entire national team has declared their refusal to play internationals under his leadership. In a battle of conflicting narratives, Rubiales maintains that the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso firmly denies any consent and describes herself as a victim.
As the controversy escalates, sponsors of the women’s team have shown support for the players, emphasizing the importance of preserving their rights and dignity. Rubiales, who seemed on the verge of resignation, surprised everyone by refusing to step down and accusing “false feminists” of attempting to destroy him.
