Angeles Bejar, mother of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, was hospitalized after experiencing serious health concerns, according to Mundo Deportivo reporting.
Rubiales, known for leading the national team to a dramatic victory, was photographed embracing the player Jennifer Hermoso and kissing her on the lips during the award ceremony following the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain defeated Britain 1–0. The gesture drew sharp criticism from journalists and fans who deemed it inappropriate.
On the morning of August 28, Bejar locked herself inside a church in Motril and began a hunger strike, calling for a resolution to what she described as her son’s persecution during the ongoing controversy.
In the evening, as journalists waited for a statement, Father Antonio, the parish priest, delivered an update announcing Bejar had been taken to the hospital for urgent care.
Meanwhile, the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales. Rubiales publicly stated that he was not considering resigning amid the controversy, despite growing calls for accountability.
Earlier reports in Spain noted that the player involved in the kiss, Hermoso, faced legal attention as the case evolved, with discussions about potential penalties and outcomes continuing in the courts and among officials. The situation has remained a focal point in national sports and political discourse, highlighting tensions over conduct, gender dynamics, and accountability within football governance.
In related coverage, observers note that the incident has intensified debates over safeguarding, professional conduct in sports, and the responsibilities of federation leaders to model respectful behavior on and off the field.