Luis Rubiales is facing mounting pressure after photos emerged of Spain’s FA president lifting Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during the Women’s World Cup celebrations.
Rubiales is at the center of the World Cup ‘kiss-gate’ scandal after he kissed Spanish women’s player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth without permission after Spain beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final on Sunday.
He has refused to resign despite being hit by a sexual assault investigation after a football chief filed a criminal complaint over his actions towards Hermoso.
He eventually apologised, but Hermoso declined the chance to appear in his apology video, despite begging, “My position is on the line, do it for my daughters”.
Spanish outlet El confidential has reported that Rubiales is also accused of taking a Mexican woman on a six-day work-funded vacation to New York.
Luis Rubiales is at the center of the World Cup scandal after he kissed Spanish women’s star Jennifer Hermoso (center) on the mouth without permission after they won the World Cup
New photos show Rubiales carrying Athenea del Castillo on his shoulders after the final
Rubiale’s behavior has led to the boss of the Spanish Football Federation increasingly being called upon to resign
He also allegedly harassed and humiliated a female colleague, who claimed that he had asked her about the color of her underwear and about wearing “knee pads” during meetings if they worked together.
Pressure on Rubiales continues to mount after new photos surface of Spain’s festivities following the final whistle in the final in Sydney.
Spain’s FA chief was seen lifting and carrying the Real Madrid winger over his shoulders, drawing closer scrutiny on his attitude towards the stars of the women’s national team.
The Spanish Football Federation has confirmed that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting at their headquarters on Friday.
The organization added that internal proceedings are underway over the controversy following the World Cup final ceremony.
Attacking midfielder Hermoso, who plays for CF Pachuca, admitted she “didn’t like it” when Rubiales grabbed her and held her in a tight hug before kissing her on the lips on the celebratory stage.
Rubiales also grabbed his crotch in what was described by American legend Megan Rapinoe as a “signal of a deep level of misogyny and sexism,” who insisted his kiss was “physical assault.”
Spanish football chief Miguel Ángel Galán has filed a complaint with the Madrid Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, alleging that Rubiales’ actions constitute sexual assault.
Rubiales’ controversial actions, for which he later apologized, have been widely criticized
Galan, president of CENAFE – the country’s national school for football coaches – said: “I would like to file a complaint against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, for committing an alleged crime of assault against the Spanish women’s football team. Jennifer Hermoso.
“This was an intolerable act of sexist behavior within our sport that could constitute an alleged felony of assault. I therefore request that a complaint be filed.’
Galan had already lodged a written complaint with the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD) and the Spanish FA (RFEF) itself, with his latest actions following the criminal route.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized Rubiales and demanded that he explain the kiss. MailsportIan Herbert described Rubiales as “reptile-like” and “creepy,” while it emerged that Rubiales allegedly begged Hermoso to record an apology video with him.
Despite the controversy, Rubiales would not consider resigning.
He said in his apology, “There’s also something I regret and it’s about something that happened between a female player and myself, who have as great a relationship as I have with other female players. I must have made a mistake and I must admit it.
“In a moment of maximum excitement, without any ill intent or bad faith, what happened happened in a very spontaneous way, I repeat, without bad faith on either side… it has caused controversy in some industries and some people seem to to have done. I’m upset and that’s why I have to apologize … I have to learn from this.’
The news comes on the same day Mailsport reported that Spain coach Jorge Vilda appeared to grab the breast of a female staff member during the celebration of the World Cup final.
Video footage taken seconds after Olga Carmona’s 29th-minute goal against the Lionesses shows Spain’s staff celebrating – and Vilda’s left hand appears to rest on the chest of a female member of staff.
The Spanish Football Federation will hold an extraordinary general meeting under pressure on Rubiales
There have also been complaints about Vilda’s behavior from the players, amid accusations that he created a controlling environment.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that he forced players to keep their room doors open until midnight to check for themselves before going to sleep.
Vilda was reportedly responsible for closing the door and turning off the lights. These practices were stopped following complaints after the 2019 World Cup, but there are still heavy restrictions on their freedoms while in the camp.
Vilda’s scrutiny is said to be so excessive that he checks their bags when they return from a shopping spree, while players must also say who they meet when they want to leave camp, with all movements under strict supervision.
In 2022, 15 players wrote to the Spanish Football Federation claiming they would not be available for selection as long as Vilda remained in his position, claiming he was ‘damaging their mental health’.