Spain’s football federation has launched an internal investigation against the federation president Luis Rubiales as he was suspended by FIFA for kissing forward player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup win.
The 33-year-old footballer has confirmed that the kiss by Rubiales after last Sunday’s game was not consensual.
The football federation said that the investigation was launched after its sexual violence protocol was activated.
The protocol’s protection delegate, Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, said “Our protocol is currently activated and in the midst of investigating the events, thus we demand the utmost respect for the right to privacy and dignity of all individuals involved,” in a letter published by the federation (RFEF).
“As the protection delegate for sexual violence, my duty is to adhere to the protocol and safeguard the privacy of those affected by this incident and of the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee,” Madrona added.
Initially, on Saturday morning, RFEF threatened Hermoso with legal action, stating “The evidence is conclusive. Mr President has not lied”.
However, hours later, when Rubiales was suspended by FIFA, the federation ordered RFEF not to contact Hermoso.
Despite facing deep criticism and pressure to resign, Rubiales said on Friday that he would “fight until the end” while addressing an extraordinary general assembly called by the RFEF.
Victor Francos, Spain’s secretary of sport and head of the state-run National Sports Council, then said the government had started legal proceedings seeking to suspend Rubiales, “so that he has to give explanations before the Sport Court (TAD)”.
As El Pais newspaper reported, Spanish sports minister Miquel Iceta said, “We are going to ask the TAD to meet on Monday. If the TAD accepts the government’s complaint, we will immediately proceed with the suspension of the functions of president.”
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