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Formal complaints lodged against Spanish Football Federation president over illicit World Cup kiss
Calls have been made for Luis Rubiales’s resignation in Spain following several accusations of sexual assault
Spain’s one-nil victory over England’s Lionesses in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Sydney on August 20 has been completely overshadowed by the shocking events that took place during the medal ceremony, when president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales embraced player Jenni Hermoso and kissed her in front of a packed stadium.
Rubiales issued a formal apology which did little to calm the storm his behaviour created, and three formal complaints have been lodged against him. President Sanchez has hinted that the former Granada footballer could be sacked and, in addition, the Federation has urgently convened an Extraordinary General Assembly for Friday August 25.
"Based on the latest events that occurred during the award ceremony for the Women's World Cup won by the Spanish National Team, the internal proceedings of the Federation regarding integrity issues are open, as well as the rest of the applicable protocols,” a RFEF spokesperson said.
The first of a raft of complaints made on Tuesday August 22 was filed by Miguel Ángel Galán, president of the National School of Soccer Coaches (CENAFE), who said that Rubiales’s “sexist attitude is a true abuse of power, and for me a full-blown sexual assault."
This was quickly followed by similar claims by ex-referee Xavier Estrada Fernández and Sumar politician Yolanda Diaz.
"Luis Rubiales, being responsible for carrying out public functions by delegation to the Spanish government, committed an act that could be classified as sexual assault against one of the team's players, which has been publicly denounced by political authorities, national and international media, and by the public opinion,” she said.
President Sanchez has subtly hinted that the RFEF president should resign rather than being forced out, dismissing his lacklustre apology as “clearly insufficient.”
Image: @elrubi77
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