World Cup kiss controversy- Provisional Suspension of Luis Rubiales by FIFA

In a recent development surrounding the incident involving Luis Rubiales, the head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and Spanish women’s national team player Jenni Hermoso, the 33-year-old forward has made a powerful statement clarifying her position on the matter. Hermoso’s statement, released on Friday night, asserts that she did not give her consent to the kiss from Rubiales, further highlighting the importance of consent and respect in personal interactions, particularly within the realm of sports.

What Happened in the Women’s World Cup final 2023?

The incident involving Luis Rubiales, the head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and the Spanish women’s national team after their Women’s World Cup victory has caused significant controversy and led to a strong reaction from the players.

Rubiales’ actions, described as “macho” by the government, involved grabbing star player Jenni Hermoso’s head and kissing her on the lips. This behavior was met with disapproval and condemnation, leading to a mutiny within the national team.

world cup kiss controversy

 

Who are Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales?

Jenni Hermoso is a Spanish professional soccer player. She was born on May 9, 1990, in Barcelona, Spain. Hermoso primarily plays as a forward and is known for her goal-scoring ability. She has represented both the Spanish national team and various club teams throughout her career. Hermoso has achieved success at both the domestic and international levels, earning numerous accolades for her performances on the field.

Luis Rubiales is a Spanish football administrator and former professional footballer. He is currently the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), a position he has held since 2018. Rubiales played as a defender for several clubs in Spain, including Levante, Alicante, and Xerez. After retiring from playing, he became involved in football administration and has held various positions within the RFEF.

What action was taken against Luis Rubiales?

Luis Rubiales, the chief of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has been hit with a provisional suspension by FIFA, the global governing body of soccer. This action comes in the wake of a controversial kissing incident that occurred after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup. As the fallout from the incident continues, support for Rubiales within his own federation appears to be waning.

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What was the reaction of the team?

In a joint statement issued by all 23 members of the cup-winning squad, including Hermoso, as well as 32 other squad members, they expressed their refusal to play in international matches as long as Rubiales remains in his position as the head of the RFEF. This unified stance demonstrates the players’ dissatisfaction and their demand for change within the organization.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about respect, gender equality, and appropriate behavior within the world of sports. The government’s denouncement of Rubiales’ actions highlights the need for a cultural shift and the promotion of a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes.

world cup kiss controversy

What did Hermosos say?

In response to the incident involving Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, the 33-year-old forward and key contributor to Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory, has made a statement clarifying her position regarding the kiss.

Hermoso stated that “in no moment” did she give her consent to the kiss. This statement emphasizes her discomfort with the actions of Rubiales and reinforces the importance of consent and respect in personal interactions

Conclusion

The situation remains ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the RFEF and Rubiales will respond to the players’ demands. The outcome of this dispute will likely have significant implications for the future of Spanish women’s football and the broader conversation surrounding gender equality in sports. The incident serves as a catalyst for discussions surrounding consent and respect in sports, highlighting the ongoing work needed to create a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes.