Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales came to the fore when he kissed Jenni Hermoso, one of the national women's football teams that won the World Cup, on the lips during the ceremony.
The International Association of Football Associations (FIFA) has launched an investigation against the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, whose resignation was requested due to some inappropriate actions after the Women's World Cup final match.
The FIFA Disciplinary Commission has opened an investigation against Rubiales for allegedly violating Articles 13.1 and 13.2 of the institution's disciplinary regulations, for making some inappropriate actions in the honor stands and on the field medal ceremony after the final match between Spain and England on 20 August 2023 at the Australian Stadium in Sydney, Australia. announced.
Luis Manuel Rubiales Béjar (born 23 August 1977) is a Spanish football official and former professional player who played as a defender. He is the current president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Known for not being a very skilled player but a tenacious one – appearing in only 53 La Liga matches over three seasons.
On the other hand, La Liga clubs Osasuna, Real Sociedad, and Getafe demanded to resignation of Rubiales, who received harsh reactions from many people and organizations from the sports world, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, some ministers, and non-governmental organizations in Spain.
In addition, the women's national football player Jenni Hermoso, who made a statement through the Women's Footballers' Association (Futpro) in Spain, also demanded that Rubiales be given "a penalty as an example".
During the medal ceremony and celebrations after the match in Sydney, Spain Women's National Football Team, which won the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in its history by beating England 1-0 in the final, received some reactions from RFEF President Rubiales.
Rubiales, who made inappropriate moves from the tribune during the show of joy after Spain won the match, then kissed the Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the medal ceremony.
Although Rubiales admitted that what he did was wrong and apologized, this was not enough to dampen the backlash.
The 45-year-old who was born in Las Palmas, Spain, stands 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) tall. He only played in 53 La Liga games over three seasons, earning the nickname Pundonor for his tenacity.
A look at Luis Rubiales’ career
Rubiales was born in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, and was brought up in Motril, Granada Province. He played for Guadix CF, RCD Mallorca B, UE Lleida, Xerez CD, Levante UD (promoted to La Liga in 2004 and 2006), and Alicante CF throughout his mostly Segunda División career in Spain. On August 29, 2004, he entered a 1-1 away tie against Real Sociedad to make his debut in the Spanish top division.
On August 4, 2009, Hamilton Academical of the Scottish Premier League announced that he had signed a one-year contract with them. However, he only made three league games, four official, before leaving the club and returning home.
In March 2010, Rubiales, who had already left the game, was nominated to head the Association of Spanish Footballers. In order to run for president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, he resigned from his position in November 2017; he was finally elected in May 2018.
Who is Luis Rubiales’ wife?
There is no information about Luis Rubiales’ wife or children but he is said to be unmarried and single.