The latest with RFEF president Luis Rubiales
The GIST: Just over one week after the Spanish women’s national team won their first-ever WWC, the focus unfortunately remains on the aforementioned Rubiales. Every twist and turn of this saga has brought new batsh!t details, so here’s a timeline of what’s gone down over the last few days. Deep breaths.
Rubiales doesn’t resign: On Friday, with the world expecting him to leave his post, Rubiales stunningly reversed course at the RFEF extraordinary general assembly, refusing to step down and referring to the criticisms as “a social assassination” against him. Rubiales’ speech was met with applause by many in attendance.
Players announce boycott, Hermoso releases statement: Eighty-one of Spain’s women’s players, including the entire 2023 World Cup squad, released a letter through their union on Friday refusing any call-up to the national team as long as Rubiales remains president, describing his actions as “violat[ing] the dignity of women.”
- Hermoso herself also posted her own statement, reiterating that the kiss was non-consensual, and confirming that she did not agree to the federation’s original statement released in support of Rubiales.
RFEF threatens legal action against Hermoso: In an astounding display of audacity, RFEF responded by doubling down, saying that Hermoso is lying and that they “will initiate the corresponding legal actions.” What the actual eff.
Rubiales provisionally suspended by FIFA: On Saturday, football’s international governing body suspended Rubiales from football-related activities for 90 days and ordered him and RFEF not to contact Hermoso.
Spain’s Women’s coaches resign: Later that day, 11 coaches and staff resigned in a collective statement, leaving head coach Jorge Vilda (who, reminder, comes with his own lengthy controversy) as the sole WWC–winning staff member remaining.
What’s next: It’s all eyes on September 22nd — the Spanish women’s national team’s next scheduled match, which kicks off their UEFA Women’s Nations League action. If Rubiales isn’t out for good by then, expect a massive boycott, and a groundswell of support behind the players…
