Spain's Government Moves to Dismiss Football Federation President; Aftershocks of Controversial Kiss Continue

The Spanish government has officially initiated the necessary steps to dismiss Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of the country's football federation. This comes as Rubiales ended his week-long silence on Friday, asserting that he is a victim of a campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation. According to the Associated Press, Luis Rubiales unexpectedly kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips while presenting gold medals to the Spanish team after they defeated England in the Women's World Cup final. The kiss, which was without Hermoso's consent, faced widespread global criticism, with many calling for his resignation. On Friday, a legal committee of the Spanish government, which deals with sports issues, filed an official case against Rubiales, who is also the UEFA vice president, due to his inappropriate behavior that has caused 'national shame' due to its global backlash. The Spanish government hopes to dismiss Rubiales independently of FIFA's ongoing investigation, which has temporarily suspended him. The committee will decide whether Rubiales abused his power by kissing Hermoso or harmed Spain's reputation in a sporting event. He could potentially be removed from his position for two years. Miguel Ista, the acting Minister of Culture and Sports in Spain, stated, 'When the world's eyes were on our players, Rubiales' behavior caused damage to our sport and country that is difficult to repair.' Following the government's decision, Rubiales, who stated he would not resign, released his first public statement. He previously claimed to be a victim of a conspiracy managed by 'fake feminists.' On Friday, Rubiales said, 'I made evident mistakes for which I sincerely express regret.' He claimed that the kiss was 'mutual, consensual, and occurred in a joyful moment.' However, Hermoso firmly denies this claim. Rubiales criticized the media and politicians in Spain and around the world who have targeted him with their allegations during this time. The government committee deemed the allegations against Rubiales 'serious' after preliminary investigations, which prevents his immediate suspension by the government. Rubiales' critics hoped the allegations would be deemed 'very serious' so that he could be suspended during the case review. While the Spanish government cannot directly dismiss Rubiales while his case is under review, critics want temporary suspension to be one of the options. FIFA has currently suspended Rubiales for 90 days while a disciplinary case against him is being formed, so the Spanish decision will not significantly impact his status. The decision of this government committee increases pressure on Rubiales and may cause his few remaining supporters to waver. The Spanish Football Federation initially supported Rubiales, claiming they would take legal action against Hermoso for lying. However, after FIFA suspended Rubiales, the federation also called for his resignation. The Spanish Football Federation suspended Rubiales' rights and ordered him to return the federation's car, laptop, and mobile phone. Rubiales has almost no supporters left. His mother staged a short hunger strike in a church in southern Spain, calling for justice for her son and asking Hermoso to retract her false claims. In recent days, many Spanish and global officials, athletes, and celebrities have supported Hermoso.