New allegations against former Spanish soccer association president Luis Rubiales (46) have surfaced, this time involving incidents with English female footballers during the award ceremony following the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Rubiales allegedly went beyond a friendly gesture when kissing England player Lucy Bronze (32) "on the face" at the ceremony.
This is not the first-time controversy swirled around Rubiales following his actions during the women's soccer World Cup final against Spain and England (1:0). After the match, he made headlines worldwide by kissing the newly crowned Spanish world champion Hermoso (33) on the mouth. Despite international outrage, Rubiales showed little understanding post-incident. In October, he was banned for three years by FIFA for violating Article 13 of their disciplinary regulations.
These regulations penalize offenses like "derogatory, discriminatory or denigrating statements or actions" that "offend the dignity or integrity of another person."
FA President Hewitt's Disclosure:
According to Debbie Hewitt (60), the English FA president, Rubiales additionally shook hands with every England player, touched their arms, and "embraced and stroked" player Laura Coombs (32)'s face[1].
These events led to Hewitt describing Rubiales' behavior as "a bit strange" and perceiving it as inappropriate[1].
Hewitt's Observations:
- Rubiales patted the butt of a Spanish player[1].
- Some players appeared to be avoiding him when he congratulated them[1].
- Before the award ceremony, Rubiales reportedly indicated his displeasure with his position in the line of well-wishers, eventually getting instructed to remain[1].
Hewitt concluded feeling "deeply uncomfortable and embarrassed" by Rubiales' conduct towards the Spanish players[1].
Rubiales' Response:
Rubiales' defense lawyers criticized Hewitt's interpretation, labeling it as misleading[1]. They alleged that she had manipulated the events to portray Rubiales negatively[1].
Enrichment Data
- Rubiales' inappropriate behaviors primarily focused on his conduct towards Spanish women during the ceremony.
- The sources do not contain any specific allegations regarding his behavior towards English women during the event.
- The incidents detailed in Rubiales' case include the "Genitals Incident," "The Kiss Incident," "The Carrying Incident," and "The Peck Incident."
- These events led to severe criticisms and calls for Rubiales' resignation and RFEF reform.
