The Spanish soccer league canceled plans for Barcelona to play a regular-season match against Villarreal in Miami due to domestic opposition and concerns over fairness, despite initial approvals and the opportunity for international growth.
La Liga players protested against the decision to hold a match in Miami, which was partially censored on TV, highlighting concerns over transparency and the impact on players and fans. The protests, supported by players and coaches, aim to oppose La Liga's international expansion plans, which are defended by league officials as a revenue and global promotion strategy.
Former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales was detained by police at Madrid's airport amid an ongoing corruption probe related to a business deal to hold the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. He was later released and is expected to be summoned for further questioning. Rubiales had been in the Dominican Republic when police raided his property and the federation's offices, leading to the detention of seven people. The investigation is looking into contracts for the Spanish Super Cup and the federation's connections with Seville's La Cartuja Stadium. Rubiales had previously caused controversy for kissing Spain player Jenni Hermoso without her consent at the Women's World Cup final and is facing a trial for allegedly sexually assaulting her, which he denies.
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.
Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish soccer chief who resigned amid controversy, is facing potential arrest as Spanish investigators probe allegations of corruption and money laundering. Raids were conducted at the headquarters of the Spanish soccer federation and at Rubiales' home in Granada. The investigation involves suspected criminal acts related to corruption in business, unfair administration, and money laundering, including contracts for the sale of rights to the Spanish Super Cup. Rubiales is also under scrutiny for allegations of spying, misuse of federation funds, and hosting a party paid for with federation funds.
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, has resigned following the controversy surrounding his kiss with player Jenni Hermoso after Spain's World Cup victory. Rubiales, who was already serving a 90-day suspension by FIFA, made the announcement during an interview and later submitted a letter of resignation. The decision came after calls for his resignation from the Spanish federation and the women's team, as well as a formal complaint of sexual assault and coercion filed against him. Rubiales claimed the kiss was consensual but acknowledged that he could not return to his position due to ongoing proceedings against him.
Luis Rubiales, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, has resigned from his position following a kissing scandal during the Women's World Cup. Rubiales acknowledged that the mounting pressure and controversy were becoming a distraction and affecting the organization. He maintains his innocence but decided that trying to keep his position was more trouble than it's worth. Rubiales faces a criminal complaint filed by Jennifer Hermoso, the player involved, alleging sexual assault. Spanish prosecutors have announced that he will stand trial, and if convicted, he could face a fine and/or up to 4 years in prison.
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.
Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso has accused Luis Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation, of sexual assault for kissing her on the lips without her consent after the Women's World Cup final. Rubiales insists the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso denies this and alleges that she and her family were pressured by the federation to support Rubiales. The prosecutors' office in Madrid has stated that Rubiales could face a fine or prison sentence if found guilty. The Spanish government, players' unions, and citizens have shown support for Hermoso, while Rubiales has become an outcast in the soccer community.
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has refused to resign despite facing fierce criticism for forcibly kissing Spain star Jennifer Hermoso after the Women's World Cup. Rubiales described the kiss as "mutual" and defended his actions, stating that it was spontaneous, euphoric, and with consent. However, his speech received further criticism, with some members of the Spanish soccer community calling it "unacceptable." FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, and global players' union FIFPRO has called for immediate action. Despite the backlash, Rubiales remains defiant and refuses to step down from his position.
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.