By Andrew Warshaw
August 25 – In an unexpected twist that took the footballing world by surprise, under-fire Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales steadfastly refused to step down today, describing attacks on him for that infamous kiss as “false feminism”.
Criticism of Rubiales has poured in from across game ever since he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips in the aftermath of Spain’s 1-0 win over England in the Women’s World Cup final.
But Rubiales, who was expected to resign at an extraordinary general assembly called by his own federation, instead vowed to fight on despite FIFA opening disciplinary proceedings into his behaviour.
“I will not resign, I will not resign,” Rubiales shouted, declaring there was a witchhunt against him and that “a social assassination is taking place.”
Rubiales began his remarks on Friday with an apology for grabbing his crotch while celebrating in the VIP area of Stadium Australia, with Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter standing nearby.
He described his actions as an “unfortunate” gesture made in the “euphoria” of the moment.
“I want to apologise without reservation for everything that happened in the box, when in a moment of euphoria I grabbed that part of my body that you have already seen. Of course I have to apologise, to the Queen, and to everyone who has felt offended. I have been in countless boxes and I have never behaved like that.”
When it comes to the much-debated kiss, Rubiales had initially reacted by describing his critics as “idiots” before swiftly apologising as the backlash against him picked up speed. Yet he was back on the attack today, arguing that what he did was merely a “little peck” that was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual,” painting himself as the victim.
“I’m ready to be vilified to defend my ideals. I don’t deserve this manhunt I have been suffering,” he declared.
His defiant address drew widespread applause from the predominantly male audience – including from women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda and men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente.
But he now faces not only a FIFA investigation but also a government that says it will take the incident before a sport tribunal where, if it can be proven the kiss was non-consensual, Rubiales could be tried under a sexual violence law.
His speech drew immediate condemnation from acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz who declared: “The government must act and take urgent measures: impunity for macho actions is over. Rubiales cannot continue in office.”
Interestingly, despite mounting calls for him to go from politicians, former and current male and female players and players’ unions, the one body to remain silent so far has been UEFA, for whom Rubiales is a vice president.
La Liga boss Javier Tebas, who has long waged a war of words with Rubiales, wasted no time wading in, saying it was “very difficult to explain what is happening”.
“The misogynistic gestures, the profane expressions, the protocol disaster and the insults of this latest global embarrassment are not a surprise,” Tebas charged. “The list of women and men aggrieved by Luis Rubiales these years is too long and this must stop.”
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