Reports from Spain indicate that the participation of Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Champions League is now in jeopardy due to the unfolding Luis Rubiales controversy. In an unexpected turn of events, the Spanish Football Association (FA) has appealed to UEFA, the governing body of European football, to contemplate the expulsion of these clubs. This request stems from allegations that the Spanish government intervened in the ongoing World Cup ‘kiss-gate’ scandal involving Luis Rubiales, an official earning £214,000 per year, who reportedly kissed Spanish football star Jennifer Hermoso without her consent.
If this plea is granted, it would have far-reaching consequences, leading to the exclusion of all Spanish clubs, including renowned names like Real Madrid and Barcelona, from various UEFA competitions such as the Champions League. Other clubs like Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad would also be affected in the Champions League, along with Villarreal and Real Betis in the Europa League, and Osasuna in the Europa Conference League. The positions of these Spanish clubs in European tournaments are now in jeopardy following remarks made by Andreu Camps, the head of the Spanish FA, criticizing the involvement of the Spanish government in the Rubiales scandal. This controversy was ignited when Rubiales kissed Hermoso and made inappropriate gestures in the presence of Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofia.
As reported by Onda Cero, supporters of Rubiales within the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have mobilized to challenge the government’s call for Rubiales to step down. FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales and announced a suspension of three months from all national and international football activities, pending an internal investigation triggered by its sexual violence protocol.
Although the Spanish government lacks the authority to remove Rubiales from his position, it has vehemently condemned his actions. The government also revealed its intent to secure his suspension through legal means, utilizing a sports tribunal. Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz is scheduled to meet with representatives of FUTPRO, the women’s players’ union representing Jennifer Hermoso, and the Association of Spanish Footballers. The aim is to ensure a football environment that is characterized by fair conditions and is free from sexist violence.
Maria Jesus Montero, the acting budget minister, expressed her belief that Rubiales should not continue to lead Spanish football. She emphasized that someone who has shown a disregard for the fight for equality, particularly in the realm of sports, should not hold a leadership position in Spanish football. In the midst of this turmoil, Rubiales’ mother has taken a stand by entering a church and initiating a hunger strike to protest what she perceives as inhumane treatment of her son.