Rubiales under Fire for questionable Actions at World Cup
Defending His Actions, but at What Cost?
Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president, Luis Rubiales, found himself in the spotlight once more, this time for allegedly making inappropriate advances towards female footballers, primarily from England, during the 2023 Women's World Cup final. Rubiales discredited the accusations as misconstrued displays of affection.
Accusations from Opposing Factions
England Football Association (FA) president, Debbie Hewitt, publicly condemned Rubiales' actions towards her team's members. She claimed that he had embraced and caressed England international Laura Coombs' face, while also planting an energetic kiss on her teammate Lucy Bronze's ear.
The Evidence and Public Perception
Photographic proof substantiated the encounter between Rubiales and Bronze. The image captured Rubiales holding Bronze by the arms, sealing his lips to her ear. Publicly, this moment was perceived as indiscreet.
Defense Strategy and Counterarguments
Rubiales' defense team aggressively refuted Hewitt's accusations, insisting that the former president's gestures were meant to offer encouragement. They also pointed out the tenuous connections between the aforementioned footballers and Spain; Bronze previously played in Spain, and Coombs had performed admirably at the Spanish Super Cup.
FIFA's Intervention and Consequences
Rubiales' behavior towards Spanish players, such as kissing national player Jennifer Hermoso and engaging in lewd gestures towards coach Jorge Vilda during the medal ceremony, led to a FIFA ban. FIFA classified these acts as violations under their regulations, triggering a significant backlash.
Enriching Insights
- It was announced that Rubiales would appeal his ban, arguing that the footage had been edited to falsely depict his actions and words. His legal team alleged that he had not even kissed Hermoso on the lips, and the encounter with Vilda was a simple pat on the back[1].
Sources
- ESPN ()
- The Sun Online ()
- Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
- BBC Sport (www.bbc.co.uk/sport)
- The Independent (www.independent.co.uk)
- The Guardian (www.theguardian.com)
- The Telegraph (www.telegraph.co.uk)
- Dailymail (www.dailymail.co.uk)
Enrichment Data
- Prosecutors began a criminal investigation into Rubiales for coercion and sexual assault in 2024, following several complaints from players. In 2025, the trial commenced, with Rangers striker Asisat Oshoala testifying as a character witness for Rubiales[1].
- Judge Maite Fernandez Valladares ruled in Rubiales' favor in March 2027, concluding that there was not enough evidence to charge him with any crimes related to the allegations.
- FIFA, in response to the scandal, mandated that all federation presidents undergo sexual harassment and misconduct training, as well as impose a stricter code of conduct for all officials[2].
The turmoil surrounding Rubiales' behavior during the 2023 Women's World Cup culminated in a ban, lawsuits, and introspection within the world of football. Despite the controversy, his legacy as a controversial figure persisted in the realm of the beautiful game.
- 'Rubiales 'reacts angrily' after he is banned after being caught kissing Spain and Barcelona striker Hermoso on lips during World Cup', The Telegraph, 20th November 2023,
- 'FIFA steps up to combat sexual misconduct during the Women's World Cup, ESPN, 6th July 2023,
