Former Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has found himself at the center of controversy after resigning from his position following allegations of sexual assault and corruption.
Rubiales, 46, faced backlash after kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after the final of last summer’s World Cup. Hermoso and her team-mates deemed the kiss as demeaning and non-consensual, leading to Rubiales’ resignation.
In a recent Spanish TV interview, Rubiales denied any wrongdoing with the kiss, questioning if he is facing trial for sexual assault “because he’s a man”. He expressed disbelief that anyone would consider the kiss a sexual assault and emphasized the impact the allegations have had on his family and friends.
Apart from the sexual assault charges, Rubiales was also arrested in an unrelated corruption investigation. He is suspected of receiving illegal commissions in a deal to stage the Spanish Super Cup competition in Saudi Arabia. Rubiales vehemently denied the allegations, stating that he has never taken a bribe in his life and calling the accusations a lie.
With his bank accounts blocked and unable to even pay for a drink, Rubiales emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence in any investigation. Despite the challenges he faces, Rubiales remains steadfast in defending his actions and maintaining his innocence.
The downfall of Luis Rubiales as the president of the Spanish football federation serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of alleged misconduct in the world of sports administration.
