A sensational scandal shook the world of Spanish and global football when Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was found guilty of sexual assault. The incident occurred 550 days after a controversial kiss between Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup in August 2023. Despite Rubiales’ claims of it being consensual, Spain’s High Court ruled otherwise, imposing a fine of €10,800 (£8,942) and issuing a one-year ban preventing Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within a 200m radius or communicating with her.
Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of Women’s Sport
The kiss that sparked a firestorm of controversy was merely the culmination of years of discontent simmering behind the scenes of women’s football in Spain. The tension had been brewing long before Rubiales’ ill-fated gesture, with a history of discord within the Spanish national team. The upheaval began when Jorge Vilda took over as coach, only the second person to manage La Roja since 1988. His predecessor, Ignacio Quereda, held his position for nearly 27 years until his dismissal was demanded by the entire squad following a disappointing performance in the 2015 World Cup.
In September 2022, less than a year before their World Cup triumph, Spain’s players staged a revolt, citing concerns about their emotional well-being and health. This uprising, led by ‘Las 15,’ a group of players who submitted emails detailing their grievances, underscored long-standing issues with training methods and game preparation. The tension persisted, leading to a fracture within the team, with only three of ‘Las 15’ making the squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Despite the odds, Spain emerged victorious in the competition, marking a historic moment in their footballing journey. However, the joy of their triumph was marred by the controversial incident involving Rubiales and Hermoso during the medal ceremony. Hermoso, in her poignant testimony, described the incident as a stain on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life. The fallout from the kiss cast a shadow over the team’s monumental achievement, highlighting the deep-seated issues plaguing women’s sport.
A Landmark Moment in Spanish History
The aftermath of the scandal reverberated across Spain, sparking widespread condemnation of Rubiales’ behavior from various quarters. The phrase ‘se acabo,’ meaning ‘it’s over,’ became a rallying cry as the Spanish government, Fifa, the United Nations, and numerous players and clubs expressed their disapproval. Eighty-one Spain players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, declared their refusal to play for the national team as long as Rubiales remained in power. In a show of solidarity, most of Vilda’s coaching staff resigned in protest against the embattled president.
While Rubiales initially dismissed the backlash as a “social assassination” and refused to step down, mounting pressure eventually forced him to resign nearly three weeks after the controversial kiss. The trial that followed became a watershed moment in Spanish history, transcending football and sport, and evolving into a broader societal conversation about gender dynamics in the workplace. The courtroom drama captured the attention of the nation, with people eagerly awaiting the verdict that would determine the fate of Rubiales.
The Road Ahead for Rubiales
Despite the guilty verdict, Rubiales has vowed to appeal the decision, maintaining his innocence and asserting that he committed no crime. The court, which had faced demands for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, highlighted the complexities of the case. While Rubiales admitted to his lapse in judgment during the medal ceremony, he contended that his actions did not amount to coercion or criminal behavior.
As Rubiales navigates the legal aftermath of the trial, Spain’s national team prepares to take the field against Belgium in their Women’s Nations League opener. The upcoming match will serve as a test for the team under new leadership, with head coach Montse Tome and captain Irene Paredes addressing the media in a pre-match news conference. Additionally, the highly anticipated clash between England and Spain at Wembley on February 26 will mark the first meeting between the two sides since the 2023 World Cup final.
