The Royal Spanish Football Federation presents a formal apology and outlines steps after the World Cup final events
A formal statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation addresses world football, its institutions, and fans around the globe. The document, issued by the interim leadership, centers on the conduct displayed by Luis M. Rubiales during the World Cup final and the moments that followed. It clarifies that the federation intends to sever any association with the actions in question while reaffirming the Federation’s commitment to its core values and the integrity of Spanish sport.
In the declaration, the interim president emphasizes that the actions to which Rubiales was linked do not align with the values upheld by the federation nor with the broader Spanish society. The federation asserts that any consequences should be attributed to the individual responsible and states that the organization has secured a clear obligation that such incidents will not recur.
The leader also highlights a plan to review the federation’s management structures, committing to a series of measures in the coming days designed to improve governance and repair the damage caused. The aim is to strengthen accountability and restore trust among players, officials, and supporters alike.
Full statement from the federation
The federation, through its President, calls for heartfelt apologies from world football and its major bodies including FIFA, UEFA, and national federations, as well as from players and fans around the world. It acknowledges the unacceptable behavior demonstrated during the final and immediately after, which contradicted the values of Spanish society and the sport. Spain’s history of fair play and courtesy in sport has long been a benchmark, but recent events have cast a shadow over those standards. The federation notes that the actions of Rubiales do not reflect the long-standing ethos of Spanish football nor the national sporting culture. The organization underscores that this incident has affected the reputation of Spanish sport on the international stage.
The consequences for Spanish football, sport, and social values have been significant. The federation expresses deep regret to society at large and to the global football community for the events that harmed the team, the sport, and the public at large. It reiterates its remorse for the damage caused and reiterates a commitment to ensuring such incidents do not happen again.
Both FIFA and the national authorities responsible for sport have taken or are taking appropriate measures. The federation calls for a prompt disciplinary review of Rubiales and, if required by international bodies, his suspension from duties as head of the federation pending further decisions. The federation pledges full support to the disciplinary processes so that a timely resolution can be reached and any compensation for damage can be considered where applicable.
Winning the World Cup stands as a proud moment in the federation’s history and a milestone for women’s football in Spain. The actions observed at the time and in subsequent hours are unacceptable, and as a result, the federation removed from its site any communications that failed to honor the team’s achievements. The organization stresses that Rubiales acted independently of the federation’s official stance and that responsibility rests solely with him.
It is made clear that Rubiales’ conduct does not align with the federation’s values or those of Spanish society. The federation will address the matter before sports authorities and, if needed, legal channels. The federation’s leadership expresses sincere regret for the additional pain caused and stresses that the federation’s position remains distinct from Rubiales’ personal actions.
There is an explicit acknowledgment that the statement reflects the federation’s stance rather than the individual’s public declarations. The federation conveys its sorrow for the added distress and the impact on celebrations for both the national team and the visitors from England, who contributed to a memorable final match.
On a related note, the federation notes that on August 28, 2023, it urged the Chairs of the Autonomous Federations to seek Rubiales’ resignation in light of inappropriate behavior. It also announced a review of the existing management structures. A thorough investigation into the events and the ensuing actions was initiated to protect Spanish football and ensure such behavior does not recur. Presidents of member federations agreed to reassess policies and procedures, with a shared commitment to take decisive governance steps in coming days, in coordination with the High Council and other sports authorities for the broader good of Spanish sport.
The federation states that this message has been shared with relevant institutions and is now made public. In closing, it offers congratulations to the national team for the historic victory and acknowledges the inspiration it provided to fans across generations. The federation expresses pride in the team’s conduct on and off the field and indicates a desire to celebrate the triumph appropriately when circumstances allow.