Luis Rubiales Resignation Demands Gain Momentum, Unwanted Kiss Incident Sparks Spanish Football Upheaval and Impacts 2030 World Cup Bid

Controversial Kiss Sparks Calls for Luis Rubiales Resignation

^{Credit: Google | Unwanted Kiss Controversy and Resignation Calls Surround Luis Rubiales in Spanish Football Scene}

Amidst a growing firestorm in the world of Spanish football, Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), is facing intense calls for resignation following a controversial incident. The presidents of Spain’s regional soccer federations have united in their demand for Rubiales to step down, a decision motivated by his suspended FIFA presidency after forcibly kissing a female player during the women’s team’s World Cup victory celebrations. The outcry against Rubiales has led to an ongoing debate on consent, sexism, and the image of Spanish football.

The committee of regional presidents has released a statement condemning Rubiales’ actions as “unacceptable behaviors that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football“, urging his immediate resignation. Rubiales’ suspension prompted Pedro Rocha to take up the role of interim RFEF president, supported unanimously by all 19 regional presidents. They aim to establish a period of dialogue and reconciliation within football institutions under Rocha’s leadership.

Accompanying the resignation demands, an investigation into potential sexual aggression charges by Spanish prosecutors hangs over Rubiales. The incident involves him forcibly kissing Jennifer Hermoso, a 33-year-old attacker, after Spain’s victory against England in the Women’s World Cup. While Rubiales contends the kiss was consensual, Hermoso disputes this claim, stating she felt violated and disrespected.

Controversial World Cup kiss exposes toxic Spain masculinity https://t.co/cDIoIyS5U6 pic.twitter.com/lvZYxa6fLr
— Toronto Sun (@TheTorontoSun) August 28, 2023

The situation has triggered widespread condemnation from teams, players, politicians, and even international entities like the United Nations. The United Nations Secretary General’s spokesperson highlighted the pervasive issue of sexism in sports and called for the Spanish authorities to address it effectively.

The fallout from the incident is far-reaching. FIFA’s suspension of Rubiales from all football-related activities for 90 days is underway as disciplinary proceedings unfold. Rafael del Amo, RFEF vice president, and several members of the Spanish national women’s soccer program have resigned in response to Rubiales’ refusal to step down. Hermoso and her World Cup teammates have vowed not to play for Spain until Rubiales is removed.

The controversy’s implications extend to Spain’s bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco. Victor Francos, president of Spain’s High Council of Sport, expressed concerns that the controversy could negatively impact the bid’s success. He stressed that Spanish sport and football do not reflect the recent turmoil associated with Rubiales.

In response, protests demanding Rubiales’ resignation have arisen, with participants emphasizing the need for respectful treatment of women in sports celebrations. Rubiales’ mother, Ángeles Béjar, even launched a hunger strike to support her son’s cause, describing the situation as an “inhumane, bloodthirsty hunt“.

The mother of Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has locked herself inside a church and started a hunger strike to protest against what she called her son's 'inhumane treatment' over his grabbing and kissing player Jenni Hermoso, EFE news agency reported https://t.co/UmMhSEwFJm
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 28, 2023

Amidst the chaos, questions surrounding consent, leadership ethics, and gender equality remain central. The controversy has sparked an urgent need for reform within Spanish football institutions, underscoring the importance of maintaining respect and professionalism on and off the field.