Spanish FA Distance Themselves From Suspended President Rubiales' Actions

Tuesday, 5 September 2023 15:29

By Caoimhe Harney

Luis Rubiales is currently provisionally suspended from all football activity for an initial 90 days by FIFA

The Spanish football federation has apologised for the "enormous damage" caused by the actions of its president Luis Rubiales.

The 46-year-old has been suspended by FIFA while it investigates his conduct at last month's World Cup final where he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips against her will.

The federation's interim president Pedro Rocha has written a letter distancing the organisation from Rubiales' actions.

"The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values of football and sport as a whole have been enormous," Rocha's letter said.

"Mr Rubiales' actions do not represent the values defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values of Spanish society as a whole.

"His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice.

"To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused."

After the Luis Rubiales kiss controversy at the #FIFAWWC, Chair of @WomeninFootball Ebru Koksal believes it’s time to rethink who runs the women’s game ⤵️ #AJOPINION pic.twitter.com/lFhcU2y7i6
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 31, 2023