“The consequences of the Luis Rubiales kiss affair with Jenni Hermoso continue to be felt. After being provisionally suspended for 90 days by Fifa, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation was suspended for three years any activity related to football. A decision which angered Rubiales, who immediately announced that he would appeal.
Let’s recall the facts: on August 20, just after the victory of the Spanish women’s team at the World Cup, Rubiales surprised Jenni Hermoso on the mouth, sparking indignation both in Spain and abroad . If Rubiales had initially claimed that the kiss was consensual, the player quickly denied it, claiming that she had felt vulnerable and the victim of a sexist and inappropriate act.
This case also led to legal action against Rubiales. He was charged with sexual assault by the Spanish courts and was banned from approaching within 200 meters of Jenni Hermoso. He is also being prosecuted for coercion, due to the alleged pressure he allegedly exerted on the player and those around her to change her statements. Pressure confirmed by three teammates of Jenni Hermoso.
The scandal had repercussions within the Spanish football federation, which fired several executives, including Jorge Vilda, the coach of the national women’s team, close to Rubiales. The team’s new coach, Montse Tomé, had to face a strike by Spanish players, who demanded deeper changes.
However, despite this turbulence, the Spanish women’s team was able to regain its momentum. They won back-to-back victories, topping their Nations League group and moving closer to qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
The decision to suspend Rubiales for three years is a strong signal sent by Fifa, affirming its commitment to integrity and respect for the rules of good conduct. This case highlights the importance of addressing issues of consent and respect in the sporting field, and underlines the need to promote values of equality and dignity for all football stakeholders, whether players, managers or supporters.
In conclusion, the affair of Luis Rubiales’ kiss to Jenni Hermoso had important consequences for the actors involved. Rubiales’ suspension highlights the importance of respecting the principles of integrity and fair play in football. Hopefully this case will serve as a lesson and encourage positive change in sport, promoting respect, equality and dignity for all.”