Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation 메이저놀이터( RFEF ), who had been under pressure to resign after unexpectedly kissing Jenny Hermoso of the winning Spanish women’s national team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup awards ceremony, finally resigned . There is analysis that this incident will be a catalyst to change the sexist culture not only in soccer but also in Spain as a whole. According to the British BBC , President Rubiales announced his intention to resign as president of the Spanish Football Association in a statement on the 10th (local time). He also resigned from his position as Vice-President of the Union of European Football Associations ( UEFA ). Chairman Rubiales held on to his position despite strong calls for his resignation following the ‘forced kiss’ controversy, and eventually decided to step down after three weeks. “Due to FIFA ’s hasty suspension and other procedures, it has become clear that I can no longer return to my position,” Rubiales said in a statement. “Holding my position (refusing to resign) will have a negative impact on RFEF . ” “It is,” he said. He added, “I will do my best to ensure that the truth wins.” BBC
pointed out that the sexist culture in the sports world toward female athletes was a chronic problem. Rubiales’ close associate, recently fired Spanish national team coach Jorge Bilda, also faced backlash from players due to his coercive leadership style. Deputy Prime Minister and Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz criticized the male chauvinism prevalent in the sports world, saying Rubiales’ actions showed them in their worst form.
After this incident, Spanish women protested in downtown Madrid and called for women’s human rights to be guaranteed. Guillem Balaguer, a Spanish soccer journalist, also commented, “(Spain) has now come to understand that there is a systematic atmosphere in which women are treated as secondary beings,” adding, “It was a social and political tsunami that everyone could benefit from in the medium to long term.” did.