August 27, (THEWILL) – The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has called an urgent meeting on Monday, to address the situation surrounding its president, Luis Rubiales.
This comes after Rubiales was suspended by FIFA for 3 months over allegations he forcibly kissed player, Jenni Hermoso, following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory last week. THEWILL recalls that Rubiales has denied claims the kiss was non-consensual, but Hermoso said she felt “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression.”
So far, players and coaches on the women’s national team have demanded Rubiales resign, with Hermoso receiving widespread support from fans and women’s groups across Spain. On Saturday, all 23 members of Spain’s World Cup squad and 11 coaching staff members offered their resignations to the RFEF in solidarity with Hermoso. The Spanish government has also denounced Rubiales’ alleged actions and is seeking to have him suspended through legal channels.
Feminist organisations held demonstrations on Saturday in Madrid, Santander and Logrono calling for Rubiales to step down. More protests are planned this week, with activists framing this as a #MeToo moment for Spain.
While maintaining his innocence, Rubiales said he would use the FIFA investigation to clear his name. The RFEF urgent meeting on Monday will evaluate the situation and growing pressure on its embattled president.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
