Luis Rubiales celebrated his 46th birthday on Wednesday knowing his future as chairman of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) hangs in the balance after the “kiss affair” following the women’s World Cup final. As demands for his resignation from politicians, the media, sports officials and even union leaders piled higher on his desk, the federation confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the incident. In addition, a special meeting of the association was convened for Friday, at which the regional princes will probably support Rubiales. Because the grants for the regional associations have multiplied since the beginning of Rubiales’ term of office in 2017.
Whether he can remain in office depends not insignificantly on those lips that Rubiales kissed so vehemently on Sunday on the podium: The player Jenni Hermoso, 33, is to speak as part of the procedure. That can get spicy. It is said that a statement from Hermoso, which was sent to the media by the association and downplayed the incident, was not agreed with her at all. In addition, Hermoso is said to have been pressured into appearing in the video, in which Rubiales half-heartedly apologized.
Before everyone else, the head of the highest Spanish sports authority, Victor Francos, urges Hermosos to comment. Francos confirmed that the CSD sports council had received three complaints against Rubiales – including from Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz. Their goal: the withdrawal of the ability to lead a national sports association. The highest Spanish sports court TAD can make this decision – at the request of the government authority CSD. Rubiales himself refuses to resign. His annual salary as RFEF President amounts to 675,000 euros.
A former Rubiales employee also spoke up
In the light of the allegations – as well as his vulgar and wild grab on his genitals in the VIP stand – old sexism allegations against Rubiales received new topicality. Tamara Ramos, the former marketing director of the players’ union AFE, who ran Rubiales before he took over as head of the football association in 2018, spoke up.
The incident does not surprise her, on the contrary. According to Ramos, it fits with her experiences with Rubiales. The “airworthy” comments she endured included Rubiales’ comment that she “came here to put on knee pads” – and questions about the color of her underwear. Ramos had sued the AFE for bullying after the termination of employment. An amicable settlement was reached after Rubiales originally refused her any termination payment.