Various media expect the top manager of Spanish football to announce his resignation this Friday; Pedro Rocha, the one who would succeed him.
Luis Rubiales will announce his departure from the Royal Spanish Football Federation this Friday, as announced by the newspaper “Marca”. The current president of the RFEF will no longer be in the next few hours, after all that happened at the award ceremony for the Spanish national women’s team, champions of the World Cup played in New Zealand and Australia.
Luis Rubiales steps down as RFEF president: why he is stepping down
The kiss on the mouth he gave Jenni Hermoso without her consent joins the list of scandals surrounding the former footballer and current 46-year-old Spanish leader. It is true that since taking office as RFEF president in May 2018, Rubiales has managed to weather a huge number of storms, some stronger than others. However, the situation is different now. This time the water has reached his neck.
The series took place during the medal ceremony: Rubiales was close to the royal family and Infantino, president of UEFA, and greeted all the Spanish players one by one. Sometimes protocol was disregarded, as happened with Hermoso. At the moment number ’10’ was congratulated, and after melting into a big hug, the Chairman of the RFEF held her face with both hands and, between laughter and accomplice gestures, gave her a kiss on the mouth that traveled around the world.
Rubiales first tried to minimize the situation: “idiots”, “nonsense”, “assholes” or “suckers who don’t know how to see the positive” were some of his disqualifications for facing criticism when he was interviewed on “Cadena Cope”. But the rejection of his person did not stop and he was forced to record a video apologizing. According to “Relevo,” he even asked Jenni Hermoso to appear with him. The information was published by journalist Natalia Torrente, who later gave more details about the Antena 3 “Espejo Público” program. Torrente explained that Rubiales told Jenni, “My position is on the line, do it even for my daughters. I want you to date me.”
The player refused to appear in the video. Rubiales, who also touched his genitals during the world title celebration, realized the media impact of what happened after Miquel Iceta’s words. At that point, he approached the player to ask her to help him. According to Torrente, given Hermoso’s refusal, it was the coach, Jorge Vilda, who tried to mediate so that he could change his mind. He spoke to the player’s relatives who were also present on the flight, but Vilda also failed in her attempt.
Since then, various industries have called for Rubiales’ resignation or disqualification (as they requested from the F League). Even Hermoso herself, through the union that represents her, He called for “exemplary measures” in light of the unacceptable events of recent days.
However, the file that FIFA opened this Friday for violation of Articles 13.1 and 13.2 was the final blow for the still chairman of the RFEF. Social and sporting pressures have forced Rubiales to step aside.
Who replaces Rubiales in the RFEF
Until 2018, Rubiales was best known as captain of Levante who managed to get his teammates to pay a large part of the wage bill that the Granota club owed them in 2009. His career as a footballer will not go down in history: they were 10 years as a player, and played only 53 games in the First Division (three seasons).
In March 2010, shortly after hanging up his shoes, he began his career as president of the entity that protects players’ rights, the AFE. He spent eight years there, until Ángel María Villar, then president of the RFEF, was arrested at Las Rozas headquarters for alleged corruption. Villar was succeeded by Rubiales after securing an absolute majority in the vote in the assembly (He got 80 votes to 56 for Juan Luis Larrea, plus one blank).
More than five years later, his time with the RFEF seems to have come to an end. It is not yet known who will replace him, but it would be natural that this would be someone from the current board. According to various media outlets pointed out on Thursday evening, Pedro Rocha will become chairman of the board of directors and will replace him for the time being. Currently he is the leader of the Extremeña Federation, and also held the position of Vice President of the RFEF. This decision was taken after a meeting of several hours in Las Rozas.
Rocha is one of Rubiales’ trusted men. Businessman since 1993 and manager of three establishments, he devoted himself to futsal and came to play several seasons in the Division of Honor. He was also part of the board of directors and coaching staff of CP Cacereño. In recent years he has developed his work as a manager at the football federation Extremadura in various positions. Initially he was provincial deputy of Cáceres, then he rose to vice presidency and since 2013 he is president of his area.
Source: Goal