Luis Rubiales garnered attention after his infamous kiss to Jennifer Hermoso during the presentation ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The President of the RFEF remains a central figure in ongoing discussions.
In the latest turn of events, Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s acting second deputy prime minister, has taken a vocal stance. Diaz has publicly called for Rubiales’ resignation from his position in the aftermath of the embarrassing incident. This was unfolded following La Roja‘s Women’s World Cup victory.
Díaz emphasized this during media discussions at Congress. She stated that Rubiales had harassed and assaulted a woman. His excuses are all useless.
“They have shown us many things about equality, not only in sport and football. They have shown us that there is still a lot to be done in our country, that there is a lot to be done so that men and women can become equal ”, Diaz added.
There is mounting pressure on Luis Rubiales to step down from his prominent role in the Spanish Soccer Federation. According to the Teller Report, he earns a substantial $734,000 annually. Swift action is said to be taken against him to rectify his mistake. The prospect of forfeiting both the lucrative salary and influential position within Spanish soccer catalyzed Rubiales’ decisive response.
Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales "should resign" from his post after he kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso, according to the country's acting second deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz.https://t.co/xTcDbDpBoL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 22, 2023
Rubiales’ acknowledgment of his error and subsequent apologies have not gone unnoticed. In a video disseminated by the RFEF, he took responsibility for his actions, highlighting his strong rapport with Hermoso and other players.
On the other side, Hermoso’s candid reflections about the incident have come to light. She openly shared that the experience was far from enjoyable. The reverberations from this incident have stirred a powerful discourse about the need for substantial transformations within the realm of Spanish soccer leadership.
Spanish Prime Minister commented on the apology of Luis Rubiales
After Yolanda Diaz, it was Spain’s acting prime minister’s turn to address the situation. Pedro Sanchez commented on the apology by stating it “wasn’t sufficient.”
Addressing reporters, Spain’s leader, Sanchez, voiced his perspective on the matter. Sanchez emphasized that the incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound inequalities that persist between men and women in the country.
Characterizing the gesture as “unacceptable,” he firmly stated that Rubiales’ offered apology fell short. Sanchez urged for additional measures to be taken. He asserts that the President of the RFEF should take further action.
🚨🇪🇸 The president of RFEF, Luis Rubiales, is NOT thinking of resigning – even after the comments from Spain's PM, Pedro Sánchez. Rubiales 'unsuccessfully begged' Jenni Hermoso to defend him in a joint statement. @marca #rmalive pic.twitter.com/5BpUTiMwOu
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) August 22, 2023
It’s pivotal to comprehend that the RFEF operates independently of the Spanish government. Its President, Rubiales, is elected by the members, granting a degree of autonomy. Consequently, Sanchez’s call for Rubiales to step down hinges on his status as the President.
The aftermath of Luis Rubiales’ apology unfolds as a captivating chapter within the evolving storyline of his tenure. As the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rubiales has navigated a succession of leadership trials, a trajectory that has witnessed escalating challenges since 2022.
Rubiales’ track record has drawn scrutiny across a spectrum of concerns. These encompass his perceived lack of action in response to racist incidents involving Vinicius Jr., alongside allegations implicating him in fraudulent transactions with Gerard Pique. Under mounting pressure, Rubiales has found himself necessitating repeated clarifications regarding his stance on these matters.
