The Spanish government has issued a demand for transparency and immediate action from the country’s football federation concerning its president, Luis Rubiales, following an incident where he kissed a Women’s World Cup player on the lips.
Criticism has been directed at Luis Rubiales, who heads the Spanish football federation (RFEF), for his actions after Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. Despite Rubiales’ initial defensive stance and subsequent apology, public backlash against his behavior has persisted.
In response, the RFEF has organised an emergency meeting scheduled for Friday, during which an internal investigation into the incident will take place. Pressure is mounting for substantial measures to be taken against Rubiales.
Victor Francos, Spain’s secretary of sport and president of the country’s sports council (CSD), warned that if the RFEF fails to act, the council will step in. They have the authority to escalate the matter to Spain’s Administrative Court for Sports.
“I imagine that what the responsible people will do is talk to the two parties involved and issue a report,” Francos commented during an interview with radio station Cadena Ser. He stressed the importance of transparency and urgency in the investigation, emphasising that additional actions will be taken if necessary.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez deemed Luis Rubiales’ apology inadequate, asserting that further steps are underway. Francos added, “The government has said what it has said—it is an unacceptable act; more steps (are happening) and we will use our instruments to prove transparency in the process and the corresponding resolution if the time comes.”
Luis Rubiales has faced widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. Spanish clubs have joined the call for his resignation. Getafe’s president, Angel Torres, stated, “What Rubiales has to do is resign, his behaviour has been deplorable.”
Prominent American forward Megan Rapinoe, widely regarded as the highest-profile women’s player globally, expressed her strong disapproval of Rubiales’ actions in an interview with The Atlantic. She criticised the incident, referring to it as an assault on the player Jennifer Hermoso, and accused Rubiales of displaying “deep misogyny and sexism.”
Yolanda Diaz, Second Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the political party Sumar, condemned Rubiales’ behaviour, characterising it as harassment and assault. She called for his resignation and urged the sports council to take action against such instances of machismo. Sumar reported the incident to the council.
The demand for a transparent and swift investigation has become a focal point in addressing the controversy surrounding Luis Rubiales’ actions. The Spanish government, sports officials, and public figures are united in their stance against behavior deemed inappropriate and discriminatory within the realm of sports.