Jenni Hermoso should be celebrating her team’s incredible accomplishment. The Spanish Women’s National Team captured its first World Cup title on August 20, defeating England 1-0 to cap off an impressive run. Instead, a man who should be invested in their well-being and success has attempted to portray himself as the victim in a wild scenario that has played out over the last 10 days.
In case you missed it, here’s a quick update. During the medal ceremony following Spain’s victory, Spanish Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent.
Since then, he’s faced backlash and rightfully so. Rather than show a modicum of shame or regret, Rubiales and the RFEF have leaned into being the absolute worst about this situation. They’ve publicly accused Hermoso of lying about whether the kiss was consensual. Rubiales has emphatically refused to resign from his position, despite many calls to do so.
In a stunning press conference on August 25, Rubiales claimed he was being “socially murdered” and put the blame fully on Hermoso.
Unbelievable. Luis Rubiales now on stage repeatedly shouting "I AM NOT RESIGNING." Despite the press conference being called and briefed as such with a replacement lined up.
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) August 25, 2023
Rubiales has a wild history in this role since being elected in 2018, one that includes accusations of using RFEF money for personal rent and private parties, as well as providing an embarrassing lack of support for the women’s team prior to this World Cup.
As if things couldn’t get worse, news spread on August 28 that Rubiales’s mother entered a church and began a hunger strike that would continue until the “inhuman, bloodthirsty witch hunt which my son is being subjected to” ended.
That’s right, that he is being subjected to. Never mind the woman who should have been able to enjoy her professional accomplishments without her high-level boss kissing her without consent and then foisting the blame onto her.
Instead of stepping down for his own missteps, Rubiales is committed to making this as messy as possible. Eleven coaches and staff members of the women’s senior and youth national teams have resigned in protest, as has federation vice president Rafael del Amo.
Surely that would have an impact on Rubiales!
Nope. The Spanish FA said they would refuse to play in the UEFA Champions League, meaning popular squads like Real Madrid and Barcelona would no longer participate, if Rubiales was removed as president.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: The Spanish FA have threatened to leave UEFA if Luis Rubiales is removed as the president.
This may have a big impact and lead to the removal of ALL Spanish teams from European competitions.
(Source: @OndaCero_es) pic.twitter.com/3tZ1Dx9x5K
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 28, 2023
This situation has gotten so ridiculous, but it’s important not to forget what is at the center of it. Jenni Hermoso should never have been put in this position. What message are we sending when a kiss we all saw on television is disputed and the victim is blamed instead of the person who did it? Why did it take a day or more for men like Vilda and men’s team head coach Luis de La Fuente — both of whom were seen applauding Rubiales at his unhinged press conference — to condemn his actions?
You know things are off the rails when FIFA — one of the most notoriously corrupt institutions — are the ones stepping in to hand out suspensions.
🚨FIFA statement: “FIFA Disciplinary Committee … has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days.” pic.twitter.com/MF6m2GdBql
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) August 26, 2023
The RFEF seems to finally be getting its act together, taking back his salary, car and electronics provided as part of the job.
#Breaking @rfef has withdrawn Rubiales’ salary and official car. He is also asked to return all IT equipment including phone. He won’t be able to use @rfef resources for his legal defence. https://t.co/o2BAvPCiNa
— Borja García (he/him) 🇪🇺 (@DrBorjaGarcia) August 29, 2023
It’s unclear where we go from here, but one thing is for certain: Jenni Hermoso and the world champion Spanish soccer team deserve so much better.
