Spanish FA issue apology for ‘totally unacceptable’ behaviour of Luis Rubiales after kissing Jenni Hermoso at World Cup final and say they are ’embarrassed’ over saga that has caused ‘enormous damage’

The Spanish Football Federation has apologized for the “totally unacceptable” behavior of President Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s women’s World Cup victory over England.

Rubiales has come under fire for his behavior in the aftermath of Spain’s famous victory when Hermoso stepped up to collect her winner’s medal, leaving the football world in outrage.

He has already been suspended for three months by FIFA And Mail Sport revealed that the governing body is pushing for a 15-year ban of all football – while regional Spanish presidents are now pushing for his resignation.

Now the country’s football federation has stepped up pressure on Rubiales with a scathing statement calling the saga “shameful” and one that “has tarnished our sport.”

“The Royal Spanish Football Federation, through its President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, considers it essential to offer the most sincere apologies for the totally unacceptable behavior of its highest institutional representative during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final and in the moments that followed.

Rubiales sparked outrage by kissing Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup win in Australia

“Spanish society is an example of tolerance and courtesy, in all social and political areas, and has been an example of behavior and sporting decorum, as it has demonstrated for decades in all the sporting events in which it has participated.

“That nobility and the international prestige of our society and our sport have been tarnished in recent days by the actions of Mr. Luis Rubiales. The damage to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and to the values ​​of football and sport as a whole has been enormous.

“The RFEF wishes to convey to all of society and to all of world football its deepest regret for what has happened, which has affected our national team, our football and our society.

“We are deeply saddened by the damage caused and therefore we must ask for the most sincere apologies and acquire the firm and absolute promise that such events can never happen again.”

The governing body reiterated that it had taken action by opening disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, saying his actions are not representative of Spanish football and Spanish society.

According to the country’s governing body, Rubiales’ behavior disrupted what should have been a moment of celebration for Spanish football

“Both the governing body of the world of football, FIFA, and the bodies responsible for sport in Spain immediately took the appropriate measures, opening disciplinary proceedings against Mr Rubiales and, in the event of FIFA’s decision , the immediate suspension of his functions. as president of the RFEF,” the statement added.

“We are deeply saddened and embarrassed by the additional pain and suffering this has caused. Mr. Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values ​​defended by the Spanish Federation, nor the values ​​of Spanish society as a whole, and his actions should be attributed solely and exclusively to him, as he is the only one responsible for his actions for society, for the sports organizations and, if applicable, for the courts.

“We are sorry that this incident has disrupted an ongoing celebration of football, both for our national team and that of the England Lionesses, who were a truly remarkable rival in a thrilling final.”

Rubiales continues to resist efforts by the Spanish Football Federation to suspend him and has refused to resign after insisting the kiss was consensual, claiming he was the “victim of a political and media lynching.”

Spain’s acting Minister of Sports and Culture, Miquel Iceta, has called on the country’s Administrative Sports Tribunal to suspend the 46-year-old.

In Spain, the Sports Administrative Tribunal (TAD) has opened a case against the 46-year-old, but it concerns ‘serious’ rather than ‘very serious’ misconduct.

Rubiales cannot be suspended while the investigation is ongoing, but Sports and Culture Minister Miquel Iceta last week lashed out at the president for “abuse of his authority” and damaging the sport’s image.

The president hit back, saying, “I am the victim of an unprecedented political and media lynching.

“I was deliberately sidelined. But I have presented all relevant images showing the facts. That evidence will override opinions and clear my name.”

He also claimed that he was “advancing the feminist cause” and that his cause would be important to “real victims of aggression.”

More to follow.