Luis Rubiales: Things just seem to be going from bad to worse for Luis Rubiales. The president of RFEF has backed down on his claims amid the furore over kissing Spanish World Cup-winning star, Jenni Hermoso. While Rubiales said that there was consent, Jenni was quick to deny that she consented to being kissed on the lips. Now, the kiss-row president Luis Rubiales’ resignation is now being demanded by Spanish football officials. A “sexual assault” investigation is currently being conducted against Rubiales.
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Spanish FA demand Luis Rubiales exit
The sport’s world rulers Fifa have provisionally suspended him for 90 days and launched proceedings – and are said to want him banned for a maximum term of 15 years, the Daily Mail claims.
Now Spain’s regional football presidents have announced after a crisis meeting on Monday. Rubiales must go as he has “seriously damaged the image” of the sport in Spain with his “unacceptable behaviour”.
Just three days earlier the 46-year-old won a standing ovation from part of the Spanish FA. But the country’s football big-wigs appear to have had a change of heart as pressure on Rubiales soars.
He should quit IMMEDIATELY, the regional presidents of the Spanish FA decided after a five-hour meeting on Monday. The presidents requested that Mr. Luis Rubiales immediately offer his resignation from his position as president of the RFEF in a long statement they released.
The statement said, “After the latest events and the unacceptable behaviors that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football.”
Pressure increasing on Rubiales
This decision from the Spanish FA comes after an increasing number of anti-Rubiales rallies in Spain and throughout the football world.
At the award ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final last week, he was seen appearing to pull Hermoso in before hugging and kissing her. He was also observed clutching his crotch in Sydney on the same occasion.
Prosecutors received a complaint about “obscene exhibitionism before a minor” in relation to the kiss, and they have now opened a preliminary criminal investigation into a potential sexual assault. Princess Infanta Sofa of Spain was present when he committed the atrocity.
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Hermoso, 33, was furious when Rubiales claimed the kiss after the game was “consensual”. She hit back with a statement explaining she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression” straight after the incident.
Rubiales did apologise, saying, “I’ve no doubt made a mistake and I have to admit it”. He later asserted, however, that he had no plans to leave his position.
However, such disobedience has only served to increase the indignation over his acts and broaden the criticism of his leadership.
The Spanish national team and all teams playing in European competition may also face a ban if FIFA attempted to impose the alleged 15-year penalty on Rubiales and the Spanish FA contested it, the Mail reports.