Rubiales Faces Government Push for Removal Amid Controversy Over World Cup Gesture
The Friday scene unfolding in Spain featured the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, embroiling himself in a widening political and public relations storm. He spoke to defend a kiss on the lips given to the national team player Jenni Hermoso after the World Cup victory, describing himself as a target of a relentless campaign. In his retort, Rubiales argued that a criminal complaint filed against him was part of an attack by a harsh faction that opposes what some call feminism, while he asserted he would not resign. His controversial celebrations during the match against England the prior weekend had already drawn widespread attention, with critics accusing him of using the moment for a flamboyant display. The government quickly signaled its intent to address the case, presenting a formal path to remove the federation leader and designating Monday as a potential turning point in the process.
Rubiales: “I Will Not Resign. This Is a Social Attack. I Will Fight to the End”
The political and sports circles began to exchange views as the developing story gained traction. Sources close to the Culture and Sports Ministry suggested that Rubiales’ position was still being evaluated, with some insiders expecting him to acknowledge the seriousness of his actions and step down. The sentiment among many observers was that resignation would be a logical consequence given the gravity of the incident. Yet, those close to decision makers admitted that surprises could still emerge as details unfolded.
Shortly after Rubiales declared his stance, the President of the Supreme Sports Council outlined the government’s approach. He described a route in which the government would press for his departure and indicated that a complaint had been filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a serious offense. The court convenes weekly, but extraordinary measures were requested for the upcoming session. If the complaint is accepted, the federation head could face a temporary suspension while awaiting a final ruling from the TAS.
Francos: “This Should Be a Turning Point for Spanish Football. The Government Will End Rubiales’ Reign”
As the rumor mill churned, the government moved quickly, but not without concerns about due process. The high-level officials emphasized a careful approach to avoid procedural missteps while pressing for accountability. Internal voices from the ministry highlighted that any resolution would need to reflect established procedures and the seriousness of the allegations. The pressure built not merely from the public controversy but also from the broader discourse inside Spanish society about issues of respect and equality in sport.
With the clock ticking, the timetable was set to shorten only if Rubiales accepted a forced departure or conceded to the inevitability of scrutiny. In the days that followed, numerous federations’ presidents and national team players criticized his remarks, provoking a sustained debate that spilled into the political arena. The ministry indicated that the matter would be resolved through formal channels, and the ultimate decision would rest on the procedural outcomes rather than public opinion alone.
Bolanos, Montero and Diaz
Across the executive board, several key figures moved into the spotlight as allies and critics clashed over the federation chief’s fate. The public discourse reflected a broader demand for dignity and equality in Spanish society. Members of the government used social media to stress that machismo would not be tolerated and that the country should celebrate its World Cup winners without undermining their achievements. The acting president of the presidency and other high-ranking officials issued statements reinforcing the stance that any attack on equality would be met with a decisive response.
In parallel, Yolanda Díaz, the second vice president and labor minister, underscored the seriousness of the situation. She warned that Rubiales would face legal challenges over the criticisms directed at him in recent days and signaled a strong government response. The message from these figures was clear: the administration would not stand by while actions deemed disrespectful or degrading persisted. Their public tone suggested that decisive steps would follow if the federation chief refused to acknowledge the issues raised by colleagues and players alike.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez signaled the need for accountability, noting that apologies alone would not suffice if there was more to explain about the incident. The emphasis was on concrete steps aimed at restoring trust and ensuring that the federation aligns with democratic values and sportsmanship. The path chosen would depend on the ongoing review of events and the responses from the federation’s leadership as the situation evolved, including potential changes in leadership if necessary.