The Spanish Minister for Sport and Culture, Miquel Iceta, stated on Tuesday that the government has began the process to suspend Luis Rubiales from his position as President of the Spanish Football Federation.
Rubiales has faced a barrage of criticism over his actions at the final of the recently-concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Australia where he kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips supposedly without her consent during the trophy presentation.
Iceta said that a decision by Spain’s sports tribunal to suspend Rubiales will be made within 48 hours. He also called Rubiales’ behaviour “inadmissible” and “unacceptable” during such a “landmark’ moment when the Spanish women won the World Cup in just their third outing by defeating England.
“We are waiting to know if the Sports Tribunal will channel the process for a serious infraction against Mr. Luis Rubiales,” Iceta said.
“Once the court allows the demands to be heard, we can convene within 48 hours with the managing director of the Sports Council, where we are going to propose the suspension of the president, ex-president of the Spanish Football Association until the final resolution of the Sports Tribunal is taken.
“It is inadmissible that unacceptable behaviour stains the advances made, particularly those in football which is followed by so many girls and boys, these are our future.
“It is unacceptable that these actions should stain, such an important landmark, and of one that we feel so proud of, such as the women’s national football should win the World Cup for the first time in its history.”
Official Announcement. August 25th,2023. pic.twitter.com/lQb18IGsk2
— Jenn1 Hermos0 (@Jennihermoso) August 25, 2023
Rubiales has already been suspended by global football governing body FIFA and are currently investigating his conduct.
