The events attributed to Rubiales ran counter to the basic decorum expected at formal celebratory occasions, according to the team’s coach. The remark reflects a belief that the conduct did not align with the standards of conduct that such moments demand and that the public rightly looks to when representing a national sport on a world stage.
Luis de la Fuente, who holds the top coaching position for Spain, did not hesitate to distance himself from Rubiales actions. In a public statement issued after the Extraordinary General Assembly held in Las Rozas, he condemned what he described as inappropriate behaviour and underscored that such conduct cannot be tolerated. De la Fuente made his stance clear in a statement released the following day, emphasizing that the former leadership did not meet the expectations of the football community in Spain and calling for accountability from those who guide national sports institutions.
RUBIALES, A FIGURE CAST IN CONTROVERSY
The coach reiterated that Rubiales’ actions fell short of the minimum protocol for celebration in football culture and were not fitting for a representative figure of Spanish football. He noted that Rubiales himself had acknowledged certain improprieties in his public remarks, stressing the importance of responsibility in the statements made by someone who carries the weight of the sport for the country. This evaluation came through a personal letter signed by the coach himself, reflecting a firm stance on the matter.
It bears mentioning that De la Fuente had drawn sharp public scrutiny the previous Friday for applauding Rubiales during the Extraordinary General Assembly, a moment that renewed debate about leadership and conduct within the federation. Another prominent figure who joined in with the applause was Jorge Vilda, who subsequently issued his own statement distancing himself from Rubiales soon after, signaling a broader split within the leadership circle and the coaching fraternity.
As for the national team’s upcoming schedule, De la Fuente announced his third selection for the fixtures against Georgia and Cyprus next Friday. In this set of matches, there is a notable limitation: Borja Iglesias will not be available, having recently ended his pursuit of a senior national team move, which adds a layer of strategic adjustment for the coaching staff as they finalize preparations for the squad.
In a subsequent statement, De la Fuente reiterated his outright disapproval of Rubiales’ behavior, asserting that the speech given by the former federation president did not meet the standards expected of a leader in Spanish football. The contrast between the coach’s earlier applause and his current repudiation is striking, illustrating the evolving public conversation around governance, accountability, and respect within the sport. The exchange has become a focal point in discussions about how leadership choices influence the national program and its public image.
On social media, observers and reporters captured the moment, highlighting the tension between supportive gestures during the assembly and the later clarity of the coach’s stance. The episode has been a talking point for fans and analysts who follow how national teams navigate controversies surrounding their administrators while aiming to stay focused on competition and development. The broader takeaway centers on the need for consistent standards and transparent communication from those who guide the sport at the highest level.
Overall, the unfolding narrative places emphasis on accountability and the collective responsibility of the federation’s leadership, the coaching staff, and the players as the team moves toward important qualifying matches and international friendlies. The dialogue surrounding these events underscores the delicate balance between public scrutiny and the duty to maintain unity and momentum within a national program that aspires to perform at the highest international levels.
Note: The events and responses described reflect public statements and documented responses from the time, illustrating how leadership and conduct are scrutinized in national sports governance and how teams recalibrate after moments of controversy to focus on upcoming challenges and competitive goals.