WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
The RFEF call an emergency meeting to find a solution to the Luis Rubiales kiss incident with Jenni Hermoso
Football’s governing body in Spain have called a reunion on Friday in order to resolve the case that has marred the post-World Cup period.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have called an emergency meeting on Friday at the Las Rozas Sporting Complex in northern Madrid in order to resolve the incident regarding the kiss on the lips that Luis Rubiales gave to Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup win in Sydney.
The President of the RFEF, who initially responded to the incident by saying that “there are idiots everywhere”, has taken this decision after meeting with the regional federations. With this step, Rubiales will explain everything to the rest of the Federation, but, as far as AS understands, the head of the governing body is not thinking about resigning.
Spanish President says the apology was ‘not enough’
Rubiales, after grabbing Jenni Hermoso’s head and kissing her on the lips during the World Cup celebrations, has experienced huge social and political pressure to explain himself, with acting President Pedro Sánchez one of the people unhappy with his behaviour: “It’s true that there have been some unacceptable behaviour that occurs in our country and there is a long road to go until we reach equality, respect and equal rights for women. The apology is not enough, nor adequate. Mr Rubiales must continue to act in order to clarify what we have seen”, said Sánchez. Now, with this meeting, Rubiales has the chance to officially explain himself.
Internal investigation opened within RFEF
As well as this, the federation has also confirmed that all internal measures have been activated in relation to the incident between Rubiales and Hermoso: “all internal procedures relating to the issue of integrity are open, as well as all other necessary protocols.”
This internal investigative action from the federation comes after the incident was reported by Miguel Ángel Galán, president of CENAFE, the National Centre for Coaching and Estrada Fernández, an ex-referee. Both of these figures asked for an investigation to be opened as they believed that the behavioural code for sexual violence had been violated relating to a “forceful kiss” during Spain’s World Cup celebrations.