US star shoots against kiss scandal
Rapinoe rages: “Deep level of misogyny”
08/24/2023, 4:10 p.m
Next chapter in the kiss scandal surrounding Luis Rubiales: US legend Megan Rapinoe shoots clearly against Spain’s football association president. The involuntarily kissed Jennifer Hermoso was “physically assaulted”. The Spanish Football Association and FIFA are investigating.
In the kissing affair involving Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Association, US star Megan Rapinoe sees “a deep level of misogyny and sexism in this association and in this man”. The 38-year-old said in an interview to the portal “The Athletic”: “What kind of upside-down world do we actually live in? On the biggest stage where you should celebrate, Jenni (Hermoso) has to be physically attacked by this guy.” Rubiales had kissed Hermoso on the mouth at the ceremony after the 1-0 win in the final over England – apparently without her consent.
The kiss had triggered a wave of criticism and outrage. “What we have seen is unacceptable,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. “And Mr Rubiales’ apologies are not enough, I would call them inappropriate. That is why he must take further steps to clarify what we have all seen,” said the politician.
Hermoso demands consequences
On the occasion of the affair, the Spanish Football Association has convened an extraordinary general assembly in Madrid for Friday. In Spain, many are calling for Rubiales to resign. According to the Spanish media, this will not happen for the time being. Rather, it is expected that the functionary will receive “massive support” at the general assembly, according to the radio station “Cadena Ser” and other media.
Meanwhile, FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales. “FIFA reaffirms its unconditional commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and therefore strongly condemns any conduct to the contrary,” said a FIFA statement. Hermoso had previously called for action against Rubiales in a joint statement with players’ union Futpro.
Rubiales admitted a mistake on Monday. He kissed Hermoso on the mouth “spontaneously” and “without any bad intentions or bad will,” he said in a video. “Here we all took it as something natural, normal, but outside there seems to have been an uproar,” he explained.