The outspoken leader of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, is one of the most controversial figures in Spanish football, often known for his constant disagreements with the La Liga president Javier Tebas. Rubiales has been the RFEF president since 2018 after quitting his post as the president of the Association of Spanish Footballers in 2017.
Controversially, Rubiales’ first action as the president of the RFEF was to sack the then-manager of the Spanish national team, Julen Lopetegui, before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The president is now in the news again for the wrong reasons, as his actions in celebrating his country’s victory at the FIFA Women’s Word Cup in Australia have sparked widespread criticism and protests.
Spanish soccer president Luis Rubiales kisses player during World Cup 2023 celebration
Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup after beating England in Australia yesterday to make it the first time in their women’s football to lift the trophy. Olga Carmona scored the winning goal for Spain, and even when she learned about her father’s demise after the game, it still did not stop her from celebrating the victory with her team.
Me dicen que este video del presidente de la federación espaÑola de fútbol, Luís Rubiales, no hay que hacerlo rular, y lo están censurando
¿Asqueroso? Es poco pic.twitter.com/A5548h6Eyj
— VIQUI ||☆|| (@viquirepublica) August 20, 2023
Luis Rubiales’ antics during the celebrations caught the eyes of many as the RFEF president couldn’t keep his mouth to himself as he was seen kissing a player on her lips in front of the camera. The president planted a kiss on Captain Jenni Hermoso’s lips during the celebrations, causing an outcry from fans, especially after the video was shown live on television.
According to New York Post, Hermoso herself played down the incident, saying it was purely a gesture of affection by the president. “It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings. The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding, and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude,” Hermoso said.
Luis Rubiales should be fired. Immediately. pic.twitter.com/KZlElDHsKw
— total Barça (@totalBarca) August 20, 2023
Soccer community outraged over Luis Rubiales’s inappropriate behavior
The video of the kiss quickly became viral on social media yesterday, and the soccer community worldwide was shocked by the actions of the RFEF president. Some even called for his sacking, and it’s yet to see whether FIFA will be forced to take action against him for his seemingly inappropriate actions.
Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso was not an isolated incident after full-time. As the Spanish players celebrated on the pitch, Rubiales was pictured kissing match-winner Olga Carmona. Attempts to normalise this behaviour from the head of the FA is deeply unsettling. pic.twitter.com/AgvaoKC4vM
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) August 20, 2023
The president defended himself after being asked about the incident. “There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t heed idiocy,” Rubiales said in defense of his actions.
Will FIFA sanction the RFEF president? Let us know your opinions in the comments.
