Patricia Pérez Ferraro / SPP
Developments continue to unfold following RFEF president Luis Rubiales’ internationally televised and nonconsensual kiss on star striker Jenni Hermoso during the FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. Bookmark this page to keep up with all the major developments in real time. Below you’ll find links and news updates to the story in reverse chronological order.
*Editor’s note: Statements have been translated to English and may contain errors.
Aug. 25, 2023
Rubiales appeared in front of RFEF and refused to resign. Victor Francos, president of CSD and secretary of sport, announced that the government would suspend Rubiales and summon him to appear before the Spanish Court of Arbitration in Sport.
Jenni Hermoso statement
Organizational statements
Asociación de Futbolistas Profesionales (FUTPRO) – All 23 players from Spain’s 2023 FIFA World Cup winning squad, plus an additional past and future 33 Spanish internationals, condemn Rubiales actions, support Hermoso, and announce they “will not return for a call-up for the National Team if the current leaders continue.”
In response, RFEF released their own statement attempting to discredit Hermoso’s statements by taking split-second stills from the same world feed we all watched to try and prove that Rubiales’ actions were consensual. They claim this proves Rubiales is telling the truth and Hermoso is not. They end their message with a veiled threat, noting that “participation in the selection is an obligation of all federated people if they are called for it.”
Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels
Gotham FC
England Lionesses
Player Statements
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas: “This is unacceptable. Se acabó Contigo compañera @Jennihermoso“
Swedish footballer and FC Barcelona forward Fridolina Rolfö: “No-one should ever have to fight in their place of work for respect, to feel safe or for their basic human rights. Things have to change. I stand with @Jennihermoso and the Spanish team.”
American forward Alex Morgan: “I’m disgusted by the public actions of Luis Rubiales. I stand by @Jennihermoso and the Spanish players. Winning a World Cup should be one of the best moments in these players’ lives but instead it’s overshadowed by assault, misogyny, and failures by the Spanish federation.”
San Diego Wave players visually share a message of support during their NWSL regular season match against the Orlando Pride.
Aug. 24, 2023
Multiple reports state that Rubiales is expected to resign during a special session with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Friday. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee opened an investigation against Rubiales.
Aug. 21, 2023
Rubiales apologizes for his action saying that it “has somewhat tarnished the celebration” of Spain’s first title.
Aug. 20, 2023
Spain defeated England to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title. During the post-match medal ceremony, Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso was given her medal, shook hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and hugged Spanish Queen Letizia. However, when she made her way to Spanish Federation president Luis Rubiales, Hermoso was greeted with an unwanted and non-consensual kiss on the lips.
