Spanish Soccer Chief Suspended After Controversial Kiss, Revolt by World Cup Winning Team

Naman Ramachandran Spanish soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by the sport’s global governing body FIFA, following a controversial kissing incident that took place after Spain won the Women’s World Cup. During the celebrations after Spain defeated England in the championship final on Aug. 20, Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

The kiss made headlines around the world when Hermoso said that she “did not enjoy” it. The matter became a scandal with Rubiales facing criticism from players and politicians. He subsequently issued an apology saying that he was “sorry for those who were offended.” On Aug.

24, FIFA launched an inquiry into Rubiales’ actions. On Aug. 25, he refused to step down from his position, saying that he had asked the player before the kiss and that it was “a spontaneous kiss, mutual and euphoric, and, above all, consensual.” The same day, Hermoso released a statement on Instagram saying that his claims were “categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he himself has generated.” “I want to make it clear that at no time did the conversation to which Mr.

Luis Rubiales refers to in his address take place, and, above all, was his kiss ever consensual,” the statement added. On Aug. 26, the Spanish soccer federation stood by Rubiales and said that he was not lying and that they would take legal action against Hermoso.

Meanwhile, 81 Spanish soccer players, including the entire World Cup-winning team, have refused to play until Rubiales quits. Hermoso is a legend of the game and Spain’s all-time highest goal scorer. The FIFA statement in full: “The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers