Luis Rubiales Entangled in New Controversy as Video Footage Surfaces
New evidence has been submitted to FIFA involving Luis Rubiales, the embattled President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), that displays Jenni Hermoso, a Spain forward, seemingly amused over the notorious kiss incident. Rubiales remains in the eye of a political and ethical storm as he attempts to hold onto his position.
Previously, Rubiales was benched from all activities related to football for a three-month period, pending a FIFA inquiry into the incident where he unexpectedly kissed Hermoso during the World Cup championship ceremony in Sydney. Additional footage portrayed him engaging in other questionable behavior, including kissing other players on the cheek and making a lewd hand gesture after Spain’s 1-0 win over England.
The controversy has attracted severe censure from across various fields, including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. However, Rubiales continues to deny any fault, contending that the kiss was mutual and declining to step down during a riveting press briefing. His mother has even commenced a hunger strike in opposition to what she perceives as a “witch-hunt,” and is presently receiving medical treatment.
Luis Rubiales Shares New Footage of Jenni Hermoso Giggling About Bus Kiss with FIFA
Initially, the Spanish FA sought to defend Rubiales by highlighting still images that seemed to show Hermoso lifting Rubiales in a celebratory manner, thereby instigating the kiss. Recent video clips have now surfaced, depicting Hermoso sharing a laugh with her teammates while displaying a meme on her mobile that satirizes the incident.
The viral meme juxtaposed Rubiales’ act with a snapshot of ex-Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas locking lips with reporter and then-girlfriend Sara Carbonero. In the video, Hermoso is observed smiling as she circulates the image, while some teammates cheer “beso” (kiss) and “presi” (short for President Rubiales).
A source close to Rubiales revealed to the DailyMail that the recently disclosed video is a game-changing piece of evidence in his defense, not just against FIFA’s ongoing probe but also against any looming charges of sexual misconduct being examined by Spanish law enforcement agencies.
Despite the new video, Hermoso remains steadfast that her actions were not consensual. She lambasted the “deceptive, antagonistic, and domineering environment” within the Spanish national squad. She took to Twitter to clarify that both she and her close circle have been pressured to offer statements that would vindicate Rubiales.
UEFA Finally Addresses the Scandal
In a recent and long-awaited statement, UEFA, where Luis Rubiales holds the position of vice-president, has finally broken its silence on the controversy that has engulfed the organization. UEFA’s President Aleksander Ceferin described Rubiales’ conduct as “inappropriate,” while also emphasizing the importance of allowing FIFA’s ongoing probe to reach its conclusion.
As one delves deeper into this complex saga, it becomes evident that the issue is far from being resolved. With the gravity of the situation escalating, there could be sweeping repercussions for everyone involved. Amidst mounting public criticism, multiple legal investigations, and intense scrutiny from internal channels, both the future career prospects of Luis Rubiales and the standing of the Spanish Football Federation are now teetering on a knife’s edge.
