The heat is on for Luis Rubiales, president of Spain’s football federation, as he finds himself the subject of a preliminary investigation by Spain’s highest criminal court. This scrutiny comes after Rubiales kissed footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips in the wake of Spain’s triumph in the Women’s World Cup.
The primary goal of the investigation is to determine whether the kiss could be classified as sexual assault. The court decided to proceed with the inquiry due to the “clear-cut nature” of Hermoso’s comments, which indicated that the kiss was not consensual.
Rubiales, 46, is facing a torrent of criticism for his actions, which occurred after a landmark win for Spain’s women’s football. Hermoso, aged 33, explicitly stated that the kiss was uninvited.
Adding to Rubiales’ woes, FIFA—the global governing body for football—announced his suspension this past Saturday. Despite mounting pressure, Rubiales had staunchly refused to step down just a day before his suspension.
Legal experts are slated to reach out to Hermoso to discuss potential legal avenues, offering her a 15-day window to contact prosecutors regarding her rights as a potential victim of sexual assault.
Amid the controversy, Spain’s Sports Tribunal (TAD) is considering a suspension for Rubiales, a matter that will be discussed in an upcoming TAD meeting. Moreover, an “urgent and extraordinary” gathering has been called by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) to assess the turmoil engulfing the organization.
In a curious twist, Rubiales’ mother, Angeles Bejar, has commenced a hunger strike. She’s holed up in a church in the southern town of Motril, where Rubiales grew up, protesting what she refers to as the “inhuman hunt” against her son.
Family spokesperson Vanessa Ruiz voiced the family’s distress, arguing that Rubiales has been unfairly pre-judged. “We’re going through a lot. The media won’t let up. We just want to be left alone, and we want the truth from Jenni,” she said.
Spain’s Struggle with Male Chauvinism
Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s acting labor minister and deputy prime minister, criticized the widespread male chauvinism in Spain, saying the Rubiales incident brought out the worst aspects of the country’s “structural machismo.” Diaz called for societal shifts in attitude and better protections for victims of sexual harassment and assault.
The Timeline of Events
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August 20: During post-World Cup celebrations, Rubiales embraces and kisses Hermoso on the lips. Hermoso later states in a live stream that she “did not enjoy” the kiss.
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August 21: Amid heavy backlash from fellow players, the media, and even the Prime Minister, Rubiales apologizes for offending anyone.
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August 24: FIFA initiates disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales.
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August 25: Rubiales rebuffs calls for his resignation, declaring the kiss was “consensual.” That same day, Hermoso counters this claim through an Instagram statement, and 81 Spanish players vow not to play until Rubiales is ousted.
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August 26: The RFEF threatens legal action against anyone spreading “falsehoods,” while FIFA announces Rubiales’ provisional suspension.
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August 27: The head coach and entire coaching staff resign in protest against Rubiales.
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August 28: Rubiales’ mother begins her hunger strike, and the Spanish prosecutors start their preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to sexual assault.
And there you have it, folks—a full timeline and all the spicy details of an unfolding drama that’s rocking the Spanish football world harder than a last-minute goal. Let’s just say, it’s a match no one expected to be this intense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Luis Rubiales investigation
What is the main issue involving Luis Rubiales?
Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain’s football federation, is under a preliminary investigation by Spain’s top criminal court for kissing football player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. The event took place during celebrations following Spain’s Women’s World Cup win.
Who is Jenni Hermoso and what is her role in this matter?
Jenni Hermoso is a 33-year-old Spanish footballer who was on the receiving end of the kiss. She has publicly stated that the kiss was not consensual, prompting the criminal investigation into whether Rubiales’ actions could be classified as sexual assault.
What has FIFA done in response to the incident?
FIFA, the international governing body for football, has provisionally suspended Luis Rubiales. They have also ordered him and all officials and employees of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) not to make any contact with Hermoso.
What are the legal implications for Rubiales and Hermoso?
The court is conducting a preliminary investigation to ascertain whether the kiss could be considered sexual assault. Legal experts are also expected to contact Jenni Hermoso to discuss her options for legal action.
What is Spain’s government saying about the incident?
Spain’s acting labor minister and deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz, has criticized the country’s “systemic” male chauvinism, indicating that the incident represents the worst aspects of Spain’s structural gender bias. Spain’s Sports Tribunal (TAD) is also considering a suspension for Rubiales.
Why did Rubiales’ mother go on a hunger strike?
Rubiales’ mother, Angeles Bejar, has initiated a hunger strike in protest of what she sees as an “inhuman hunt” against her son. She has barricaded herself in a church in Rubiales’ hometown of Motril.
What is the timeline of events?
Among key dates, Rubiales kissed Hermoso on August 20. He was criticized and apologized on August 21. FIFA started disciplinary proceedings on August 24. Rubiales insisted the kiss was consensual on August 25, the same day Hermoso released a statement saying otherwise. By August 26, FIFA had provisionally suspended Rubiales, and the Spanish football federation announced possible legal action against those spreading falsehoods. By August 28, a preliminary investigation into the matter had been launched.
Has the Spanish football community reacted to the incident?
Yes, many players, including all 23 who participated in the Women’s World Cup, have pledged not to play for Spain’s women’s team until Rubiales is removed from his position. Additionally, World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda and his entire coaching staff resigned in protest against Rubiales.
More about Luis Rubiales investigation
- FIFA’s Official Statement on Luis Rubiales
- Interview with Jenni Hermoso Discussing the Incident
- Spanish Criminal Court’s Announcement on the Preliminary Investigation
- Op-Ed: Male Chauvinism in Spanish Sports
- Yolanda Diaz’s Comments on Systemic Male Chauvinism in Spain
- Timeline of Events Surrounding the Rubiales Controversy
- Report on the Spanish Sports Tribunal’s Upcoming Meeting
- Family of Luis Rubiales Discusses Hunger Strike and Legal Issues
10 comments
Could be a compelling documentary someday, but right now it’s just a mess. Everyone involved is gonna be under a microscope now.
This is like a bad movie plot, only its real and affecting peoples lives. Sad.
Gotta say, it’s 2023. How are we still dealing with this kinda stuff in sports? Cmon guys.
Yolanda Diaz hit the nail on the head. Spain’s got to deal with its “systemic male chauvinism” and fast.
wow. in a world with self driving cars n all we cant get past basic respect? smh.
Wait, his mom’s on a hunger strike? That’s some next level family drama, man.
The entire coaching staff resigning is a huge red flag. If they don’t trust him, why should we?
So FIFA suspended him but hes still sayin he did nothing wrong? dude needs a reality check.
Man, Rubiales really messed up. How could he think that was okay? Unreal.
Everyone’s focusin on the kiss but what about FIFA’s history of ignoring women’s issues. Bout time they did something.