Spain’s government has started legal proceedings seeking to suspend football federation chief Luis Rubiales for kissing World Cup star Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s World Cup victory, an official said on Friday.
Rubiales refused to quit on Friday, fuelling anger among players and government ministers who decried his actions as unacceptable macho behaviour.
The Spanish secretary of sport says he “wants this to be Spanish football’s MeToo moment”.
The Me Too movement seeks to end violence against women and shot into mainstream consciousness in 2017 after film producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of numerous sexual offences; he was subsequently found guilty and jailed.
“The government starts today the procedure so that Mr. Rubiales has to give explanations before the Sport Court, and if the Sport Court agrees, I can announce that we will suspend Mr. Rubiales from his functions,” Victor Francos, head of the state-run National Sports Council, told a news conference on Friday.
‘This is unacceptable: Spanish football reacts
Spanish players, clubs, and organisations have all spoken out, largely against Rubiales.
Alexia Putellas, a Ballon d’Or winner and another member of the World Cup-winning team, said: “This is unacceptable. It is over. With you, partner Jenni Hermoso.”
Another teammate, Aitana Bonmati, wrote: “There are limits that cannot be crossed, and we cannot tolerate this. We are with you, partner.”
Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias, who has won two caps for the Spain men’s team, said: “As a footballer and as a person, I do not feel represented by what happened today…
“I have made the decision not to return to the national team until things change and these types of acts do not go unpunished.”
Several Spanish football clubs, including Barcelona, Sevilla, Espanyol, and Racing Santander, have also released statements critical of Rubiales.
Hermoso played for Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 and from 2019 until last year, when she joined Mexican side Pachuca.
A club statement read: “FC Barcelona wishes to make clear that it considers totally improper and inappropriate the RFEF president’s behaviour during the celebrations for the World Cup victory achieved by the Spanish women’s team. The incident we consider to be deplorable.”
England forward Beth Mead wrote on social media: “The game and the Spanish players deserve more; no player should have to endure this. It’s unacceptable, and also laughable, that these men
We are allowed so much power.”
