Megan Rapinoe: Luis Rubiales antics highlight ‘misogyny and sexism’ within RFEF

23.08.2023 - 12:41 breakingnews.ie

The antics of Spain’s football federation president Luis Rubiales at Sunday’s World Cup final highlight the level of “misogyny and sexism” within the organisation, American star Megan Rapinoe has said.

Rubiales issued an apology on Monday for kissing Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony, something Rapinoe described as a “physical assault”, and was also pictured grabbing his crotch in celebration of his country’s win over England in Sydney.

He is still facing calls to resign, with Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez describing the apology as “insufficient”. The Spanish federation (RFEF) announced on Tuesday night it had called an extraordinary meeting of its general assembly for Friday, and that “internal proceedings” were open in relation to integrity issues arising from the trophy ceremony.

Rapinoe, who featured in the World Cup for the United States, told American magazine The Atlantic: “There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man (Rubiales) at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch. “What kind of upside-down world are we in?

soccer women's world cup RFEF Megan Rapinoe Jenni Hermoso Pedro Sánchez Luis Rubiales Jorge Vilda Spain Usa

The regional presidents of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) have demanded the resignation of president Luis Rubiales and called for a «profound and immediate restructuring» at the organisation as it tries to manage the fallout surrounding his unsolicited kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso.

Spanish federation demands Luis Rubiales to resign

The Spanish football federation has requested the resignation of suspended president Luis Rubiales.

Spain Opens Preliminary Sex Abuse Probe Over Suspended Chief Luis Rubiales' Kiss

Prosecutors at Spain's top criminal court said Monday they had opened a preliminary investigation into Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales' forcible kiss on the lips of World Cup player Jenni Hermoso on grounds it could constitute a crime of "sexual assault". "Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault," a court statement said. They would also contact Hermoso to offer her a chance to file a suit within 15 days, the statement said. The president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), provisionally suspended from his post by FIFA on Saturday, could face an extended sanction if the country's sports court accept complaints against him in a meeting on Monday.

Spanish FA Chief Luis Rubiales' Mother Goes On Hunger Strike Over FIFA Women's World Cup 'Kiss' Controversy: Report

Royal Spanish Football Federation chief Luis Rubiales' mother has locked herself inside a church and has announced a hunger strike following the controversy surrounding her son's conduct at the FIFA Women's World Cup final. Rubiales kissed Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso after the team's historic victory over England and later, Hermoso said that the kiss was “against her consent”. Rubiales has faced massive backlash from all circles and FIFA decided to hand him a 90-day suspension after 81 footballers decided to go on strike in response to the incident. However, Rubiales' mother – Angeles Bejar – denied any wrongdoing on his part and criticised authorities for their “inhumane treatment”.

Luis Rubiales' mother on hunger strike over son's 'inhumane treatment'

The mother of Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales locked herself inside a church and started a hunger strike to protest against what she called her son's "inhumane treatment" over his grabbing and kissing player Jenni Hermoso, EFE news agency reported.