Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso kiss row: What has happened till now?

Spain’s FIFA World Cup win has been tainted by the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales kissing World Cup winner, Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The infamous incident has resulted in protests for the removal of Rubiales from holding his position at the Spanish Football Federation. 

Protestors have taken to the streets of Madrid in support of Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso ❤️🇪🇸

The protesters are calling for the removal of Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales after he kissed Hermoso without her consent during the medal… pic.twitter.com/J3ALPmCoot

— KEEPUP (@keepupau) August 29, 2023

The video that has captured the infamous incident shows enough proof to make Hermoso’s allegations of the kiss being without her consent true. 

¿Os acordáis de las fotos manipuladas que mandó la RFEF para negar la versión de Jenni Hermoso?

Pues en este nuevo vídeo se ve claro que es Rubiales el que salta, manosea y besa a la fuerza.

Ahora imaginaos lo que le hacen a una víctima de violencia sexual cuando no hay vídeos. pic.twitter.com/aXSFYTdsaS

— Pablo Echenique (@PabloEchenique) August 28, 2023

Luis Rubiales speaks on the incident

The federation reacted by accusing her of lying and threatening to sue her despite video evidence clearly demonstrating what actually occurred. In a vehement denial, Rubiales blamed “fake feminism” and vowed not to step down. According to the account Rubiales provided in his speech on Friday, Hermoso had raised him in joy and he had requested “a little kiss?” from her to which she responded “Yes”. Rubiales further went on to claim “The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters.”

FIFA takes action

Notably, FIFA has suspended Luis Rubiales and is pushing for him to be banned from football for at least 15 years. 

I would love for this to happen but this would only be the first step. Once removal of Rubiales is complete there must be work to remove those who endorsed him and who empowered his behaviour within the RFEF https://t.co/GugljNjKzT

— sophie (@sapphospickle) August 28, 2023

The move from FIFA resulted in the Spanish FA threatening to leave UEFA. Even though the regional Presidents from the Spanish FA have requested an immediate resignation of Luis Rubiales. 

The RFEF’s general secretary, Andreu Camps, has warned the government ahead of UEFA in an effort to back Rubiales. This circumstance raises questions about the possible repercussions for Spanish teams, who might be barred from participating in European events.

The threat from the Spanish FA puts them in a tough position in front of the eyes of fans. If the Spanish FA do leave UEFA then it could mean that all the Spanish clubs could exit from European competitions. Clubs like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Real Betis and Osasuna will not play in European competitions like the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Misa Rodriguez wants coach Vilda to be removed

Spain’s women’s team coach, Jorge Vilda has also got himself into turmoil as he was not only present when Rubiales made his speech but also applauded his speech. World Cup winner and Spain’s goalkeeper, Misa Rodriguez wants coach Vilda to be removed. Rodriguez said, “will not attend while the coach Jorge Vilda also continues to hold his position, who applauded Rubiales during his speech last Saturday.”

Spanish World Cup Winner Misa Rodríguez condemns all who applauded at the RFEF assembly & states Vilda has to go too before they return:

"will not attend while the coach Jorge Vilda also continues to hold his position, who applauded Rubiales during his speech last Saturday." https://t.co/A6o7bG4iG6 pic.twitter.com/5zin7FTsLw

— Joe Louis Monte (@Jolomoco) August 28, 2023

Vilda, who has supported Rubiales ever since the Spanish football federation helped him when 15 players quit the team late last year following a dispute over their emotional and physical well-being, has remained in place despite the resignation of his teammates.

Andres Iniesta along with others speaks on the incident

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Andres Iniesta expressed his sadness over what had happened. 

Después de lo que ha pasado esta semana me gustaría transmitir mi tristeza, como persona, como padre de tres hijas, como esposo y como futbolista, ante los acontecimientos que estamos viviendo en nuestro fútbol y alrededor de la selección española femenina.

Creo que no podemos… pic.twitter.com/DYASzKXQuU

— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) August 27, 2023

Iniesta said, “After what has happened this week, I would like to convey my sadness, as a person, as the father of three daughters, as a husband and as a footballer, in the face of the events that we are experiencing in our football and around the Spanish women’s team.” Iniesta was the goal scorer when the Spanish Men’s team won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 by defeating the Netherlands in the finals by a 1-0 margin.

Iniesta further added, “I believe that we cannot tolerate performances like the ones we have seen, which have tarnished a milestone as big as winning a World Cup. I cannot imagine the feeling that all the players of the national team must have right now seeing how they are not talking about the great tournament they had and the fantastic football they taught us all. It’s a shame that a beautiful story that many players have built over so many years has become dirty.”

Xavi: Want to give my unconditional support to Jennifer Hermoso

Iniesta’s mid-field partner, Xavi who is the current Barcelona coach also talked about the controversy. In a pre-match press conference, Xavi said, “I want to give my unconditional support to Jennifer Hermoso and the players. Condemn the conduct of the president of the Spanish Football Federation. And show my sadness that there is no mention of the historic milestone of the World Cup.” 

Men’s teams, such as Cadiz and Sevilla, publicly supported Hermoso prior to matches at their home stadiums, and Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other clubs released statements denouncing Rubiales and supporting the government’s effort to remove him.

Luis Rubiales mother

The mother of Luis Rubiales has locked herself in a church and has gone on a hunger strike. She believes that her son is receiving ‘inhumane treatment’ and she will continue to be locked in the church on a hunger strike until the treatment stops. 

The mother of Luis Rubiales, the Spanish football chief who kissed Jenni Hermoso, has locked herself in a church and gone on hunger strike in support of her son.

She claims the hunger strike is in protest of the ‘inhumane treatment’ her son is receiving. pic.twitter.com/liMjSyr4TR

— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 29, 2023

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