“I’m not going to quit, I’m not going to quit!” Repeated 5 times, Luis Rubiales made it clear to everyone that he was still president of the Spanish federation for a while yet. In front of an audience rather committed to his cause, and who ended up applauding him at the conclusion of his plea, the one who has faced the media storm since his forced kiss on the lips of Jennifer Hermoso took advantage of his speech to apologize. He also claims that this gesture was made by the Spanish captain, who nevertheless demanded sanctions in a press release published two days ago.
“I had never behaved like this, the emotion was great. It was a spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, consented kiss. This is the key. Yes, it was agreed. The desire I could have giving that kiss was the same as the desire I could have kissing my daughter, there was no domination here. He even used the presence of his two daughters in the room to explain that they were “true feminism.” Explanations to say the least embarrassing which did not fail to react in Spain. Since noon, indignant reactions have been coming from all sides, while the prosecution has opened an investigation for sexual assault against Rubiales.
Tebas has a field day
Declared enemy of the president of the RFEF for many years, Tebas was quick to express himself in a vitriolic press release. “Insults, bravado, blackmail, threats, espionage and persecution, fraudulent use of federal authorities, we have suffered and have denounced many of them: in men’s and women’s professional football, in futsal, in amateur football clubs, football associations , the presidents of communities, the presidents of the Superior Council of Sports, administrators, ministers, referees, players… The list of women and men wronged by Luis Rubiales in recent years is too long and it must stop.
During his speech, Rubiales promised to take revenge by giving an appointment to all those who have accused him since last weekend. This does not really seem to frighten those concerned, starting with Yolanda Díaz, Minister of Labor and Social Economy, asking him again to “resign now” in order to avoid the country “embarrassment”before adding more menacingly. “The government must act and take urgent action.” “Rubiales seeks impunity”for her part dropped the Minister for Equality, Irene Montero, also in the sights of the president of the federation. “Today and more than ever, Jenni Hermoso, you are not alone.”
The world of football comes to the aid of Hermoso
The football community was also quick to speak up and blasted Rubiales’ remarks. “This is unacceptable. It’s finish. I am with you Jenni Hermoso”, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Alexia Putellas, Ballon d’Or 2022 and world champion last week with her teammate. David De Gea complained about having the “bleeding ears”while Iker Casillas, one of the first to speak with the former Manchester United goalkeeper spoke about “shame”. Borja Iglesias (2 selections) has outright announced his withdrawal from the national team in protest, as long as the matter remains there.
On the club side, Espanyol and then Barça issued a press release. The Catalans condemn “the totally inappropriate and regrettable behavior during the celebration of the World Cup” of Rubiales. In the small world of instances, things are also moving. Immediately after Rubiales’ words, Rafael del Amo, president of the National Commission for Women’s Football, tendered his resignation, while the political power has already begun to take action. The Superior Council of Sports (CSP), which depends on the Ministry of Culture and Sports, has already shown a threatening attitude by indicating that it would send all the complaints received to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The president of the CSP, Víctor Francos, has already called a press conference at the end of the day.
Luis Enrique stands out
The protests of the association of Spanish players have therefore already been heard, asking the government to “take measures” after “The image of Spanish sport, both nationally and internationally, has once again been seriously damaged.” It is clear that the Rubiales affair unfortunately makes more noise than the world title of the national team. Finally, the only one or almost, who does not publicly condemn Rubiales is called Luis Enrique. “The work done by Rubiales has been exceptional. The figures speak for themselves”explains at a press conference the former coach of La Roja, now at PSG, preferring to talk about the results. “Regarding the last episodes, I think the president has admitted his mistakes so I think my opinion is not necessarily helpful on that level. On his decision not to resign? My previous answer perfectly reflects my view on this matter.”
