Scandal after the World Cup final
After the “kiss affair”: Spain’s football boss Rubiales apparently wants to vacate his post
Luis Rubiales, 46, has led the Spanish Football Federation since 2018
© Gabriel Bouys / AFP
After the public debate about the “kiss affair”, Spain’s football boss Luis Rubiales apparently wants to resign. At the RFEF association, its encroaching behavior is the topic at the general assembly on Friday.
Media reports: Luis Rubiales bows to public pressure and wants to resign
The 46-year-old has led the Spanish association since 2018, having previously been president of the Spanish players’ union AFE from 2010 to 2017. Rubiales has been Vice President of the Executive Committee of the European Football Union Uefa for four years – a job that is remunerated annually with 250,000 euros plus expenses. Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin has not yet commented on the incident. Rubiales had – with a delay – admitted a mistake on Monday. He kissed Hermoso on the mouth “spontaneously” and “without any bad intentions or bad will”. After the pressure increased, Rubiales now wants to resign. This was reported by several media on Thursday.
According to media reports, the trigger for the decision to resign was the opening of disciplinary proceedings by the world football association Fifa. The Spanish government had also exerted pressure. “Of course we’re waiting for something to happen. If that’s not the case, the government will act,” said Presidential Minister Félix Bolaños. In addition, the RFEF would like to host the 2030 World Cup with neighboring Portugal, Morocco and possibly Ukraine. The decision should be made by the end of 2024. A scandal like this doesn’t help.
“Kiss Affair” sparks debate in football
As a result of the attack, there was renewed discussion about power structures and abuse in football. US star Megan Rapinoe spoke of a large “extent of misogyny and sexism in this association and in this man”. The 38-year-old said in an interview to the portal “The Athletic”: “What kind of upside-down world do we actually live in? On the biggest stage where you should celebrate, Jenni (Hermoso) has to be physically attacked by this guy.”