Pedro Rocha Junco, the vice-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, was appointed acting president following the removal of Luis Rubiales. Official communications confirmed the interim leadership changes within the federation as part of a process documented by the organization’s own channels.
Rubiales stated his intention to respond before the competent authorities in accordance with the law. He expressed confidence in the FIFA bodies and said that the opportunity to present his defense would help establish the facts and demonstrate his innocence. He asserted that the legal process would reveal the truth of the matter.
Rubiales expressed satisfaction with the national team’s victory and shared a moment of emotion at the award ceremony after the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain defeated Great Britain by one goal. The celebration included a controversial interaction with a teammate, which drew widespread media scrutiny and commentary from fans and critics alike about appropriate conduct in such high-profile events.
In response to the controversy, some players from the Spanish national team publicly engaged with social media discussions, with posts that referenced the scandal in a provocative manner. These reactions reflected a broader public conversation about boundaries, professional conduct, and the responsibilities that come with representing a national team on the world stage.
Earlier reporting noted that FIFA had acted to remove the head of Spanish football from his duties in connection with the kiss incident. The episode sparked ongoing discussion about ethics, governance, and enforcement of conduct guidelines within international football organizations, and it prompted calls for clearer policies and accountability mechanisms across the sport.
As the situation unfolded, observers emphasized the need for due process and transparency as institutions evaluated the actions of those involved. The period surrounding the events highlighted the impact of leadership decisions on the federation, the players, and the broader football community in Spain and beyond. The case remains a focal point for debates on governance, disciplinary procedures, and the standards expected of officials and athletes in major tournaments.