Mother of Embattled Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales Released from Hospital After Staging Hunger Strike

The Motril-based church where Angeles Bejar waged her hunger strike has unexpectedly turned into a media hotspot.

Angeles Bejar, mother of the beleaguered president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, has left the hospital after being admitted for health concerns. She had initiated a hunger strike in a local church to protest the mounting criticisms aimed at her son.

The controversy surrounding Rubiales ignited after he was seen kissing Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso without her consent at the World Cup final’s award ceremony in Sydney on August 20. Hermoso later confirmed that the kiss was uninvited.

Earlier this week, Bejar had secluded herself in Motril’s Divina Pastora church. Speaking to the Spanish news outlet EFE, she proclaimed her intent to maintain the hunger strike “around the clock, indefinitely.” She denounced the “relentless and cruel campaign” against her son as undeserved.

However, according to a local clergyman named Father Antonio, Bejar was transported to a Motril hospital on Wednesday. “The combination of heat and emotional stress had taken its toll. She was suffering from swollen feet and heightened anxiety,” Father Antonio told the press.

EFE reported that Bejar responded well to medical treatment and was accompanied by her son Rubiales when she was discharged from the hospital.

Who Is Luis Rubiales, the Controversial Spanish FA Chief?

World football’s governing body, FIFA, suspended Rubiales a day after he vociferously claimed that the kiss with Hermoso was “consensual.” Regional heads of the Football Federation are clamoring for Rubiales to step down immediately, and a preliminary investigation has been initiated by Spanish authorities to determine if the event could be classified as sexual assault.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin weighed in, calling Rubiales’ actions “improper.” Ceferin, who is also a FIFA vice-president and a legal expert, expressed his sorrow that such an incident could overshadow the Spanish national team’s victory. “It’s time for change,” he added.

Spain Vows to Eradicate Sexism

Irene Montero, Spain’s interim equality minister, asserted that the overwhelming support for Hermoso could signify a watershed moment. Montero insisted that “Spain is on a mission to exterminate sexism,” and praised the initial cracks appearing in what she termed a “pact of silence” around gender-based prejudice.

Public and Institutional Backlash

Public protests have erupted across Spain, advocating for Hermoso and denouncing Rubiales. The Lionesses, Hermoso’s teammates, have also expressed their support, along with the United Nations Human Rights office, which called on everyone to confront sexual harassment and abuse.

Timeline: How Did We Get Here?

• August 20: After the World Cup final, Jenni Hermoso is kissed without her consent by Luis Rubiales. Hermoso later expresses her discomfort on a live stream.

• August 21: Under heavy criticism from various quarters including the Spanish Prime Minister, Rubiales apologizes, saying he is “sorry for offending anyone.”

• August 24: FIFA begins disciplinary actions against Rubiales.

• August 25: Despite mounting pressure, Rubiales refuses to resign, labeling the kiss as “consensual.”

• August 25: Legal proceedings to remove Rubiales are initiated by the Spanish government, heralding what they hope will be Spanish football’s “MeToo moment.”

• August 25: Hermoso takes to Instagram to rebut Rubiales’ claims, stating the kiss was never consensual.

• August 25: 81 Spanish players, including the entire Women’s World Cup team, announce a boycott until Rubiales is ousted.

• August 26: The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announces legal actions against “any falsehood disseminated.”

• August 26: FIFA provisionally suspends Rubiales.

• August 26: Head coach Jorge Vilda criticizes Rubiales and resigns along with his coaching staff.

• August 27: An internal investigation is launched by the Federation’s delegate for sexual violence protocol.

• August 28: Bejar commences her hunger strike in a Motril church.

• August 28: Spanish prosecutors open an investigation to ascertain if Rubiales’ actions amount to sexual assault.

• August 28: Regional heads of RFEF insist Rubiales must step down immediately.

• August 30: Bejar is hospitalized on the third day of her hunger strike but is later discharged.

So, between kissgate, hunger strikes, and football boycotts, the Spanish football scene looks more like a telenovela these days. Stay tuned, because this saga is far from over.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Luis Rubiales controversy

More about Luis Rubiales controversy

• FIFA’s Official Statement on Luis Rubiales
• Jenni Hermoso’s Instagram Statement
• Spanish Football Federation’s Press Release
• UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin’s Interview
• Report on Spain’s Acting Equality Minister’s Statement
• United Nations Human Rights Office Statement
• Coverage of Protests in Spain
• Spanish Prosecutors’ Preliminary Investigation
• Report on Internal Investigation by Spanish Football Federation