Madrid’s heated federation meeting and Rubiales’s controversial appearance
Luis Rubiales attended an extraordinary session called by the Spanish Football Federation to rally support amid mounting pressure. Only a little more than half of the councilors showed up, with 75 of the 140 in attendance. The assembly nonetheless proceeded, having met the threshold after extending the required vote count and moving forward despite visible opposition from several members.
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The provocative moments from Rubiales at the federation’s special gathering
As the agenda shifted, the gathering opened with a brief address from Andreu Camps, the federation’s secretary general. Rubiales then took the floor, addressing those present and outlining his view of the federation’s direction and his own stance within it.
Madrid Prosecutor’s Office flags a kiss as a potential sexual assault and forwards the case to the National Court
The matter has drawn intense scrutiny and sparked a wide-ranging public and legal dialogue regarding consent, accountability, and leadership in sport. Observers note that the case has touched on broader debates about gender, power, and the responsibilities of those who hold high-profile offices in football.
Apology on the box gesture
Rubiales issued a detailed statement saying that he respects the federation as the institution that elected him. He thanked supporters and acknowledged that his actions in the moment were ill conceived. He apologized to the queen, the royal family, and those who felt hurt, explaining that his behavior reflected a surge of emotion during the game and that he would address the incident more fully in due course. The remarks stressed that he did not intend to offend and that he values the broader support he has received from people outside the sport.
On Jenni Hermoso’s kiss
In discussing the kiss that sparked the controversy, Rubiales described the moment as spontaneous and mutual, arguing that there was no coercion involved. He stated that his actions did not reflect any intention to dominate and emphasized his pride in the country’s recent football successes. He lamented the intense media scrutiny and the political overtones he perceived in the coverage, asserting that the attention around the incident has overshadowed achievements on the field. Rubiales insisted that the kiss was a personal moment among players, and he expressed a wish for clarity and understanding in how such moments are interpreted in the public sphere. He acknowledged that the situation has placed a heavy burden on everyone involved, including family members and teammates, and he defended the broader aims of advancing women’s football and equality in the sport. He called for a careful examination of how society handles claims of harassment and assault while defending his own actions as misread rather than malicious.
Government escalation of the case to the disciplinary body for removal of Rubiales
The matter has escalated to formal proceedings with the federation taking measured steps to determine appropriate remedies and actions consistent with the rules governing football in the country. The tone from officials has been firm about the need to uphold governance standards, assess the evolving situation, and ensure that due process is followed as the case proceeds through the relevant bodies.
“I will not resign”
In a candid moment, Rubiales asserted his commitment to continue leading the federation. He framed the current episode as a test of leadership, highlighting past achievements that included triumphs on the world stage and the federation’s strategic initiatives. He stressed that the administration had delivered stability and performance in women’s football and argued that stepping away would not resolve the underlying tensions. He spoke of ongoing plans, praising the work of coaches and staff and affirming his intention to see through contracts and programs designed to advance the sport. The emphasis remained on perseverance, resilience, and a belief in the federation’s mission.
Rubiales remains at the helm
Despite the controversy, Rubiales conveyed a resolve to stay in place and to continue steering the organization. He described himself as a person who has worked hard and who seeks rest only after addressing the duties of his position. He signaled a readiness to move forward, expressing hope that justice would unfold fairly and that the federation would endure the present trial while continuing to support its players and teams. The statements framed his stance as one of commitment to the sport, its professional standards, and its future directions.