Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has staunchly refused to step down despite mounting pressure about his conduct.
Rubiales has been under intense scrutiny after his actions during the medal ceremony following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England.
He hit the headlines on Sunday by kissing Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth and also appearing to grab his crotch around the country’s queen and her 16-year-old daughter.
Critics were quick to condemn his behaviour as inappropriate and demanded his resignation.
Initially dismissing his detractors as idiots, Rubiales issued a public apology on Monday, leading to widespread speculation that he would resign during the upcoming RFEF general assembly on Friday.
However, in an unexpected twist, Rubiales has vowed he will not quit and will fight against the allegations in a court of law.
The press conference was marked by Rubiales’ repeated assertion that he would not succumb to the mounting pressure to step aside.
Defending his actions, Rubiales characterised the kiss he shared with Hermoso as a spontaneous and consensual gesture.
The 46-year-old claimed he was a target of character assassination. He vehemently denied the accusations being hurled against him, labelling them a result of what he described as a witch hunt orchestrated by ‘false feminists’.
Rubiales also threatened legal action against those who accused him and expressed his intention to restore his tarnished reputation.
He revealed plans to offer a new four-year contract to the head coach of the Spanish women’s national team, Jorge Vilda, signalling his determination to continue working in women’s football in Spain.
As Rubiales’ words reverberate, the RFEF finds itself at a crossroads.
They are torn between an embattled leader’s unwavering resolve and a clamouring public demanding accountability.
The implications of this defiant stand are likely to reshape the ongoing discourse surrounding women’s football in Spain and may potentially influence the direction of leadership within the RFEF.
