Rubiales apologized only after his actions were met with worldwide criticism, but many saw his apology as meaningless without actual consequences. Calls for his resignation were widespread and in Spain, protesters Spain’s Women’s Soccer had just defeated England to win their first World Cup. Instead of just taking home the crown, the President of Spain’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, and the team’s head coach, Jorge Vilda, took home nothing but a mountain full of scandal and accusations.
The controversy sparked when Rubiales nonconsensually kissed Jennifer Hermoso, one of the players, as medals were being given out. This incident was a long time coming. In 2022, 15 players had already reached out to the Federation regarding the lack of professionalism in the team. Their criticisms focused on many things, including outrageous rules such as keeping the hotel room doors open, having random and unnecessary bag inspections, and an overall lack of preparation by the staff for training or upcoming games. “(Unprofessionalism) had an important effect on my emotional state and by extension my health.” said 15 of the players in an email to the federation. They urged “A clear commitment to a professional project with attention paid to all the aspects needed to get the best performance of this group of players”. Many of these criticisms were aimed at head coach Vilda and his staff; however, they were dismissed by the Federation.
marched in the streets under a unifying slogan, “Se Acabo” meaning “It’s Over”. Rubiales stood his ground and refused to resign. “I will not resign. A social assassination is taking place. I’m ready to be vilified to defend my ideals,” said Rubiales. “I don’t deserve this manhunt I have been suffering”.
After a short investigation, FIFA decided to suspend Rubiales for 90 days. And soon, a preliminary investigation into Rubiales and his involvement in potential sexual assault was opened up by prosecutors in Spain’s criminal court. The entire Spanish Women’s team then quit stating that they would not play in the internationals while Rubiales remained in his position.
Adding to the absurdity of this situation, in response to these consequences being dealt to her son, Rubiales’ mother, Angeles Behar, locked herself in a local church and started a hunger strike for her son. She did end up going to the hospital after she began facing various health problems.
Vilda, the team’s coach, attempted to dodge the crossfire by condemning Rubiales, however, he was soon sacked on Sep. 5 by the federation and replaced with coach Montse Tome, the team’s first-ever female coach. Despite this decision, it did not save the federation from heavy criticism for how they handled the whole situation. Many in the media believed Rubiales should have been swiftly reprimanded, rather than the lengthy situation that actually happened.
Days later, on Sep 10. Rubiales finally resigned from his post as president of Spain’s soccer federation, ending the scandal once and for all.
