Spanish prosecutors are seeking a 2.5-year jail term for former soccer chief Luis Rubiales for giving an unwanted kiss to star forward Jennifer Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup victory, accusing him of sexual assault. The incident sparked a global outcry over consent and overshadowed Spain’s women’s team's historic moment. Rubiales and three others have denied the charges, and the scandal has led to resignations and solidarity among Spain’s female players, sparking a conversation about "macho culture" in Spain.
FIFA has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, from all soccer-related activities for three years due to his unwanted kiss on Spain's Women's World Cup-winning player, Jennifer Hermoso. Rubiales plans to appeal the decision. The incident caused a crisis in Spanish soccer and overshadowed Spain's historic triumph. Rubiales had described the kiss as "mutual," but Hermoso denied consent. Rubiales is also under investigation for sexual assault and coercion.
The majority of Spain's World Cup-winning women's soccer players have refused to be called up for upcoming matches as they continue to demand "real structural changes" in Spanish soccer following the fallout from ex-soccer boss Luis Rubiales' unwanted kiss on player Jennifer Hermoso. The players have signed a joint letter condemning the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and outlined changes they want to see within the federation. The players' decision has received support from FIFPRO and NBA champion Pau Gasol. This comes after more than 80 Spanish soccer players previously supported Hermoso and threatened not to return to the national team unless there were significant changes. Rubiales has resigned and is now facing potential charges of sexual assault and coercion.
Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish soccer federation following criticism over an unwanted kiss with Women's World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso. Rubiales also resigned from his position in UEFA. The scandal has triggered a crisis in Spanish soccer, with the government pushing for his resignation and the national prosecutor filing a complaint against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion. Public outcry has come from various sectors, including politicians and sports stars.
Spain coach Jorge Vilda criticized Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, for his "improper behavior" after Rubiales kissed star player Jennifer Hermoso following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup. FIFA has suspended Rubiales for at least 90 days for refusing to resign. The national team has stated that they will not play again until Rubiales is removed.
Spain's football federation is threatening legal action against Jennifer Hermoso, accusing her of lying about being kissed by federation president Luis Rubiales at the Women's World Cup medal ceremony. The federation defended Rubiales, claiming the kiss was "mutual" and criticized "fake feminism." Hermoso and other players have stated they will not play for Spain until Rubiales is removed. FIFA has provisionally suspended Rubiales, and the Spanish High Council of Sport is considering suspending him as well.
Jennifer Hermoso, a star player on Spain's winning Women's World Cup team, has stated that she did not consent to a forced kiss by the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales. Rubiales has refused to resign despite criticism, claiming the kiss was "mutual" and accusing critics of "fake feminism." Hermoso and other professional women soccer players have vowed not to play for Spain until Rubiales is removed from his position, stating that no woman should be subjected to such actions without consent.
Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain's soccer federation, has refused to resign despite pressure from government officials and an ongoing disciplinary hearing. Rubiales was criticized for giving Spanish star Jennifer Hermoso an unsolicited kiss on the lips after a World Cup victory. He issued a formal apology but doubled down on his assertion that the kiss was consensual. Spain's acting Prime Minister called the apology insufficient, and the entire women's national team and 50 additional players backed Hermoso, saying they would not compete until "leaders resign." FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, and a men's national team member has announced his departure in protest.
Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales is facing criticism after giving Spain midfielder Jennifer Hermoso a surprise kiss on the lips during the Women's World Cup final awards ceremony. Video footage shows Rubiales embracing Hermoso and kissing her, prompting backlash and accusations of inappropriate behavior. Rubiales defended the incident, stating it was a moment of affection and dismissing the criticism as idiocy. However, critics argue that his actions were disrespectful and attention-seeking.
