RFEF says it's "sorry" for the "enormous damage" brought about by the actions of suspended president Luis Rubiales; Pedro Rocha, the RFEF's acting president, has written a letter distancing the federation from Rubiales entirely, while expressing shame for the "pain and distress" caused
Wednesday 6 September 2023 09:51, UK
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has apologised for the "enormous damage" caused by the actions of its suspended president Luis Rubiales.
The 46-year-old has been provisionally barred from all football activity for an initial 90 days by FIFA while it investigates his conduct at last month's Women's World Cup final in Sydney.
Rubiales kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation, something Hermoso has said she did not consent to. However, Rubiales has refused to resign over the matter.
Now, the acting president of the Spanish federation, Pedro Rocha, has written a letter distancing the organisation from Rubiales' actions, saying he is "ashamed" by them.
"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."
Spanish football expert Semra Hunter:
"There are still people who really want him to go and now it will be interesting to see if the players come back because what they really wanted was that change in leadership. They wanted Rubiales and Jorge Vilda gone.
"One is gone and one is still very much there, even if he is suspended. He can come back to work in less than 80 days, on November 24, because the administrative courts - based on a law from 1990 - decided it wasn't considered very serious misconduct whereby he can't actually be suspended.
"The minister of culture has said they are going to continue to pursue the possibility of having him suspended. They are going to look at a different article within that same law and try and push it through that way. We also have the criminal proceedings that are going to be starting on September 12, so when that happens, the administrative courts will have to go on hold in terms of their investigations.
"This can come about in a lot of different ways. FIFA, independently, will continue with their disciplinary proceedings. It could be the case they extend the suspension if nothing has happened within Spain or if they are not happy with the outcome of what's going on here.
"They could also reportedly decide to ban him from football altogether for anywhere up to 15 years. I think, eventually he will be removed, it's just a question of how. He's not going to back down, so I don't see a resignation taking place here; I think it's going to be an external force that removes him.
"There are elections next summer, which may actually be moved up, in which case he could be voted out anyway. I think they are going to figure out via the courts the best course of action to determine what will be the outcome in the future of Rubiales."
Spain men's team captain Alvaro Morata has criticised Rubiales for his "unacceptable behaviour" following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup 16 days ago.
On Monday, the Spanish men's team called an impromptu press conference where Morata read a statement on behalf of the squad alongside fellow senior captains Marco Asensio, Cesar Azpilicueta and Rodri which was also released on the Spanish Football Federation website.
It read: "We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behaviour from Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents.
"We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents.
"Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behaviour both on and off the field."
Morata also expressed solidarity "with the players whose success has been tarnished".
Spain's Sport Administrative Tribunal (TAD) on Friday opened a case against Rubiales for "serious misconduct."
Hermoso, along with her 22 team-mates, has said she will not play for the national team until Rubiales quits.
Last Friday, Rubiales issued a fresh defence of his actions at the Women's World Cup final medal ceremony.
Rubiales' statement came as the Spanish football federation called for him to step down.
In his statement, he said: "The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm.
"At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.
"I repeat: with the consent of both parties, both in the affectionate hugs, as well as in the peak and subsequent farewell full of affectionate mutual gestures, that occurred on the medals delivery stage.
"I have also felt the growing support of people on the street and on social media."
