Sport

Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales Temporarily Suspended

Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales Temporarily Suspended
Published 2 years ago on Aug 26, 2023

The Spanish FA, embroiled in an unprecedented crisis, divulged in a press release today that Rubiales will be barred from engaging in any 'football-related activities at national and international levels' for a span of 90 days. Additionally, a stringent stipulation restricts Rubiales from initiating any form of communication with Jenni Hermoso and her close associates. Details regarding this suspension will be withheld until a final verdict is reached.

FIFA, the international governing body of football, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of all individuals and vehemently condemned any conduct to the contrary. The gravity of this situation is underscored by the collective outcry of 56 players who have refused to participate until Rubiales is ousted from his position.

The controversy initially emerged when Hermoso, a 33-year-old footballer, asserted through the Spanish players' union FUTPRO that she felt victimized and vulnerable due to an alleged impulsive and sexist act—namely, a kiss—from Rubiales after Spain's 1-0 victory over England on Sunday. This claim was corroborated by a statement signed by multiple players.

England's Lionesses also released a statement condemning Rubiales , saying: 'Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation'

In response, Rubiales contended that he had obtained permission from Hermoso for the said kiss, citing her supposed consent for 'a little peck.' Hermoso, however, vehemently repudiated this assertion, asserting that she did not grant consent for the kiss and had no intention of elevating the president's stature through the incident.

The Spanish FA maintains that Rubiales, who adamantly refused to step down on Friday, exhibited 'utmost respect' in his actions and is being falsely maligned. The organization vowed to substantiate these claims and initiate legal action against the accusers.

In a bid to substantiate his claims, the Spanish FA released a photo-by-photo account of the kiss incident. Despite Rubiales' protestations of innocence, Hermoso remained steadfast in her stance, accusing the FA of fostering a manipulative and oppressive environment. She further alleged coercion from the FA to issue a joint statement to mitigate the mounting pressure on Rubiales.

The situation escalated further as Rubiales unleashed a vehement defense during a public speech, characterizing the kiss as 'mutual, euphoric, and consensual.' This proclamation was met with unyielding denial from Hermoso, who deemed it a fabrication stemming from a manipulative culture.

Rubiales (right) pictured with Spain's Queen Letizia and FIFA president Gianni Infantino after their 1-0 win over England in last Sunday's final

As the controversy spiraled, it elicited condemnation from various quarters, including the England women's national team and prominent football personalities. Alexis Putellas, Cata Coll, Aitana Bonmati, and Irene Paredes lent their voices to support Hermoso, while Spanish player Patricia Guijarro echoed the sentiment, expressing regret that it had come to this juncture.

The uproar prompted FIFA to launch an investigation into Rubiales' conduct, a development that could have implications for his position as a vice-president of UEFA. UEFA has yet to comment on the unfolding situation.

The suspension of Luis Rubiales, a prominent figure in the football world, and the ensuing controversy have cast a spotlight on issues of consent, gender dynamics, and integrity within the sport. The coming days are likely to witness further developments and discussions regarding the fate of both Rubiales and the Spanish Football Association.

The RFEF argue that Rubiales' arms are only loosely on Hermoso's back in this photo, meaning he could 'exert no force', and that his heels are raised

Jenni Hermoso's emotional statement in full

Latest News

The Spanish FA, embroiled in an unprecedented crisis, divulged in a press release today that Rubiales will be barred from engaging in any 'football-related activities at national and international levels' for a span of 90 days. Additionally, a stringent stipulation restricts Rubiales from initiating any form of communication with Jenni Hermoso and her close associates. Details regarding this suspension will be withheld until a final verdict is reached.

FIFA, the international governing body of football, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of all individuals and vehemently condemned any conduct to the contrary. The gravity of this situation is underscored by the collective outcry of 56 players who have refused to participate until Rubiales is ousted from his position.

The controversy initially emerged when Hermoso, a 33-year-old footballer, asserted through the Spanish players' union FUTPRO that she felt victimized and vulnerable due to an alleged impulsive and sexist act—namely, a kiss—from Rubiales after Spain's 1-0 victory over England on Sunday. This claim was corroborated by a statement signed by multiple players.

England's Lionesses also released a statement condemning Rubiales , saying: 'Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation'

In response, Rubiales contended that he had obtained permission from Hermoso for the said kiss, citing her supposed consent for 'a little peck.' Hermoso, however, vehemently repudiated this assertion, asserting that she did not grant consent for the kiss and had no intention of elevating the president's stature through the incident.

The Spanish FA maintains that Rubiales, who adamantly refused to step down on Friday, exhibited 'utmost respect' in his actions and is being falsely maligned. The organization vowed to substantiate these claims and initiate legal action against the accusers.

In a bid to substantiate his claims, the Spanish FA released a photo-by-photo account of the kiss incident. Despite Rubiales' protestations of innocence, Hermoso remained steadfast in her stance, accusing the FA of fostering a manipulative and oppressive environment. She further alleged coercion from the FA to issue a joint statement to mitigate the mounting pressure on Rubiales.

The situation escalated further as Rubiales unleashed a vehement defense during a public speech, characterizing the kiss as 'mutual, euphoric, and consensual.' This proclamation was met with unyielding denial from Hermoso, who deemed it a fabrication stemming from a manipulative culture.

Rubiales (right) pictured with Spain's Queen Letizia and FIFA president Gianni Infantino after their 1-0 win over England in last Sunday's final

As the controversy spiraled, it elicited condemnation from various quarters, including the England women's national team and prominent football personalities. Alexis Putellas, Cata Coll, Aitana Bonmati, and Irene Paredes lent their voices to support Hermoso, while Spanish player Patricia Guijarro echoed the sentiment, expressing regret that it had come to this juncture.

The uproar prompted FIFA to launch an investigation into Rubiales' conduct, a development that could have implications for his position as a vice-president of UEFA. UEFA has yet to comment on the unfolding situation.

The suspension of Luis Rubiales, a prominent figure in the football world, and the ensuing controversy have cast a spotlight on issues of consent, gender dynamics, and integrity within the sport. The coming days are likely to witness further developments and discussions regarding the fate of both Rubiales and the Spanish Football Association.

The RFEF argue that Rubiales' arms are only loosely on Hermoso's back in this photo, meaning he could 'exert no force', and that his heels are raised

Jenni Hermoso's emotional statement in full

Comments

  • Written news comments are in no way https://www.showbizglow.com it does not reflect the opinions and thoughts of. Comments are binding on the person who wrote them.