He was never a discreet president. Not stealthy. Perhaps that is why it was surprising to see Luis Rubiales, the head of Spanish football, arrive with a serious countenance, remaining prudently in the background at the reception with Pedro Sánchez, the acting president of the Government, which was held yesterday at the Moncloa palace to congratulate them, the soccer players. The world champions. The greeting between the two leaders was cold. Discreet. The handshake lasted only a moment. Yes, Rubiales tried to get closer to Sánchez with a light hug on the back. Looking for more interaction.
However, he did not get the reaction he expected. Just a tight smile in response. On the other hand, Pedro Sánchez did have that congratulatory gesture with the coach Jorge Vilda and of course with the 23 internationals on the team. The protagonists after all. Rubiales immediately got the message. Sánchez is neither satisfied nor comfortable with his presence. The stolen kiss from Jennifer Hermoso has taken its toll. Also her celebration of her unfit title for who she is and what she stands for in the box at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. It was there when, together with Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía, Rubiales put his right hand to his genitals.
Let’s go back to La Moncloa. Faced with this unreceptive squad, Rubiales, dressed in the RFEF’s gray tracksuit, shyly withdrew to listen to Sánchez’s speech congratulating the champions. He also kept a discreet background in the protocol photos. Quite the opposite of what is usual for him. Although a picture is worth a thousand words, the words of Pedro Sánchez were even more forceful. It was also in La Moncloa at the press conference after meeting with King Felipe VI in the framework of the round of consultations for the investiture when the acting President of the Government spoke. “It was an unacceptable gesture,” he said.
He then urged him to “continue taking steps to clarify what happened” beyond the apologies that Rubiales verbalized in a video distributed by the RFEF when the team was in Doha returning from Sydney. Some forced statements that came before the avalanche of requests for him to present his resignation. “I have to apologize, there is no other option, right?” Rubiales started. “And, furthermore, learn from this and understand that, when one is president of such an important institution, he has to be more careful, especially in ceremonies. In here, no one gave it the slightest importance, ”he pointed out. He had already hinted at it in his first public reaction: “Let’s ignore the idiots and the stupid. We are not for bullshit, ”he said in statements to Cadena Cope.
“Mr. Rubiales’ apologies are not enough; they are not even adequate ”, Sánchez insisted. In the opinion of the acting President of the Government, Rubiales’ behavior “does not connect with the sentiment of the majority of citizens. It is one more example that we must work more for the unity between men and women in Spain”.
Despite his criticism of the macho behavior of the RFEF leader, Sánchez recalled that the Federation “does not belong to the structure of the Spanish government. Rubiales is chosen and dismissed by his associates. In this sense, the RFEF could present a motion of censure to force the resignation of Rubiales if at least a third of the members (46) consider that the kiss to Hermoso violated the Protocol of Action against Sexual Violence. Once the motion is presented, it must be approved by an absolute two-thirds majority.
In this sense, the RFEF communicated last night that its “internal proceedings” are open, referring to “integrity issues”, and has convened “urgently” an Extraordinary General Assembly for next Friday, August 25 from at 12:00 at its headquarters in the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas (Madrid). The assembly was convened after the request of the territorial federations, which met urgently this Tuesday, and transferred all their support to Luis Rubiales.
The Higher Sports Council (CSD) can also cause the dismissal. The Government could act against Rubiales through the Administrative Court of Sports (TAD), if, as has happened, it receives a complaint against sporting decorum or an abuse of power, violations that are included in the Sports Law. The third alternative is for Rubiales to resign, something that, for now, the leader rules out.
Beyond Sánchez’s statements, they also spoke from the PP. Cuca Gamarra, spokesperson for the party in Congress and general secretary, described Rubiales’ attitude as “embarrassing”, “All institutional managers have a duty to be exemplary. And that exemplary character must be respect for women, ”she insisted.
And Jenni Hermoso? According to Relevo, the president of the RFEF asked him to participate with him in the apology video that they recorded in Doha. Unsuccessfully. Now the player has closed ranks. Her family too. She is focused on celebrating the title, in fact she is already in Eivissa on the trip that the RFEF has given them.
And Luis Rubiales? It is the most complicated birthday of him. He is 46 years old today.