The Spanish Football Federation launches an internal investigation after the protocol on sexual violence came into effect due to the consequences of Luis Rubiales’ refusal to step down, FIFA suspension and widespread boycotts after ‘kiss-gate’
The Spanish Football Federation has launched an internal investigation after the sexual violence protocol came into effect.
Federation president Luis Rubiales was provisionally suspended by FIFA on Saturday for actions stemming from his kiss of Jenni Hermoso in the wake of Spain’s World Cup victory last week.
The Spanish star issued a lengthy statement on Friday rejecting the 46-year-old’s claims that the kiss was consensual.
In the latest development, Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, a referee and current delegate for protocol protection — whose role is to investigate and send her findings to the Sexual Assault Advisory Committee when a complaint is filed — revealed that an investigation had been launched.
“Our protocol is currently activated and we are in the middle of investigating the events. Therefore, we demand the utmost respect for the right to privacy and dignity of all individuals involved,” she said in a letter published by the federation.
Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation, defiantly refused to resign in his speech
Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation, kissed Hermoso on the mouth after the World Cup final
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“As the Sexual Violence Protection Delegate, it is my duty to follow protocol and protect the privacy of those affected by this incident and of the Sexual Assault Advisory Committee.”
The fallout from Rubiales’ reluctance to step down has reached breaking point in recent days with mass resignations and boycotts across the federation.
All 23 members of Spain’s victorious World Cup squad signed a statement refusing to play until the 46-year-old was sacked, following his stunning refusal to quit at an emergency meeting on Friday.
The negative situation grew worse on Saturday as all eleven members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching staff walked out and condemned Rubiales’ behaviour.
FIFA’s ban will initially last 90 days, cover all football-related activities and instruct him to “abstain himself or any third party from contact or attempted contact” with Hermoso.
While he continues to refuse to step down, Rubiales also faces new investigations from the Spanish government, which has launched legal proceedings. Victor Francos, head of the government’s National Sports Council, said the government sees this as the “MeToo of Spanish football,” the reports said.
Francos said: ‘What Mr. Rubiales has done is to make the situation worse. The government will not be unmoved.’
He continued: “The government is starting proceedings today for Mr. Rubiales to explain to the Administrative Sports Court (TAD) and, if the TAD is willing, we will suspend Mr. Rubiales from his functions.”
A court hearing is expected on Monday.