In a recent turn of events, Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has come forward to address the controversies surrounding him. In an extensive 90-minute interview with TalkTV host Piers Morgan, Rubiales not only confirmed his resignation from the RFEF and the vice-presidency of UEFA but also attempted to clarify the circumstances surrounding his actions.
The controversy ignited when Rubiales was seen kissing Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the awarding ceremony of the Women's World Cup final. This act was distinctly different from the customary pecks on the cheeks he gave to other players. The incident was further inflamed when Hermoso expressed her discomfort with the kiss during an Instagram Live video streamed from the team dressing room shortly after the event.
While the RFEF initially issued a statement on Hermoso's behalf, describing the kiss as "spontaneous" and "consensual", Hermoso later contradicted this by releasing her own statement. With the support of the FutPro union, she clarified that she had not consented to the kiss and found it inappropriate. This led her to file a formal complaint for sexual assault with the Spanish prosecutors office, which has since opened a criminal investigation into the matter.
Rubiales, in his interview, vehemently defended his actions, stating that his intentions were "noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual." He further compared the significance of the kiss to that of a fatherly gesture, likening it to how he would kiss one of his daughters. Despite acknowledging that he should have acted with more restraint, Rubiales maintained that the kiss was a celebratory gesture and not an act of aggression.
Apart from the kiss controversy, Rubiales is also under scrutiny for another incident during the Women's World Cup final. He was seen making an indecent gesture near Spain's Infanta Sofia, a gesture he later described as a common celebratory expression in Spain. He has since apologized to the Spanish royals for his behavior.
Throughout the interview, Rubiales reiterated his belief in his innocence and expressed hope that the truth would eventually come to light. He emphasized his good intentions and expressed regret for any harm his actions might have caused.
The controversies surrounding Rubiales have undoubtedly cast a shadow over his tenure as the president of the RFEF. As the investigations continue, the football community and the public at large await further developments in this high-profile case.
