Luis Rubiales Refuses To Resign As Spanish Football Federation President

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*Trigger Warning: This Article Contains Mentions of Sexual Harassment

As of today, August 25, it was rumored that Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales would resign his position, following backlash after he kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, without her consent on August 20. Rubiales claimed the kiss was a normal celebration following Spain winning the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Rubiales spoke at an RFEF Extraordinary General Assembly today, Friday August 25, and in a defiant speech said that he would refuse to resign. In his speech, he repeatedly shouted "No voy a dimitir," (I will not resign). Rubiales accused the media of a "social assassination" and claimed the public reaction against him was “fake feminism.”

Rubiales said he would “fight to the end,” and vowed to clear his name in court.

Rubiales also offered a 4-year, $2.2M extension to controversial women's manager, Jorge Vilda. Rubiales, in a promise the Vilda, said, "I invite you to stay with us for the next four years, earning half a million euros a year." Vilda caused 15 national players to resign from the team, and some skipped the FIFA Women's World Cup. The players have stated that the environment was toxic but there is little information disclosed about the situation.

In response to Rubiales refusing to resign, Spanish striker Borja Iglesias, announced he will not play for the Spanish national team, in support of the women's national team, until Rubiales is no longer President of the FA. "As a footballer and as a person, I do not feel represented by what happened today," said Iglesias, "I have made the decision not to return to the National Team until things change and this type of act does not go unpunished."

FIFA is also conducting an ongoing investigation about the kiss that occurred without the players consent.

Rubiales' actions stunned and outraged spectators. Hermoso, after the incident, said on her live stream to her teammates that she "didn't like it."

Rubiales' came out with a statement on 'X' (formally known as Twitter) and apologized for his actions on Monday, August 21: "We saw it as something normal, natural and not in any way in bad faith," he said. " It has caused a commotion and people are offended, so I must apologize.”

"It was an unacceptable gesture, his apologies are not sufficient or adequate and he must continue taking steps," said Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, in a press conference on Tuesday, August 22.

Women's World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso intends to take action against the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, who kissed her without consent, following Sunday's final.

Here's our analysis of the situation. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/dDje0dipue

— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) August 24, 2023

The Spanish Federation initially released a statement on Hermoso's behalf: "It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture due to the immense joy of winning a World Cup. The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been excellent and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude."

On Wednesday August 23, Hermoso released a joint statement with her union and agency on the issue.

"My union FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter," said the 33-year old.

"We are working to ensure that acts such as those we have seen never go unpunished, that they are sanctioned and that the exemplary measures are adopted to protect women footballers from actions that we believe are unacceptable."

Following her statement revealing that she intends to pursue action against the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) came out in support of Hermoso, asking FIFA to open an investigation.

Today, Thursday August 24, FIFA released a statement that they would open an investigation on Luis Rubiales and his conduct.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee informed Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 20 August 2023. The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," read the statement.

Watch the video below to learn more about the situation (This video was recorded and posted before Hermosa came out with her current statement about pursuing action over Rubiales).