25 August 2023 , 17:07
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Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales is facing legal proceedings from the government in Spain following his dramatic refusal to resign.
He was expected to depart from his role in the face of the storm after he kissed World Cup star Jenni Hermoso on the lips in Australia. However, he performed a dramatic u-turn during a press conference and confirmed that he would instead be staying.
That decision has been met with huge criticism across the footballing landscape, with Real Betis forward Borja Iglesias even going as far as stepping back from international duty until a resolution is found. Now, Victor Francos, head of the state-run National Sports Council, has confirmed that Rubiales is facing legal action to remove him from office.
Speaking in a press conference, he announced: "The government starts today the procedure so that Mr Rubiales has to give explanations before the Sport Court and if the Sport Court agrees, I can announce that we will suspend Mr. Rubiales from his functions."
Spanish giants Real Madrid have also spoken out against Rubiales. A statement from the club read: "After the appearance of the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, before the Extraordinary General Assembly held today, Real Madrid would like to state the following:
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"That our club fully supports the decision put in place by the president of the Superior Council of Sports, Víctor Francos, who will immediately raise this case to the Administrative Court of Sport. From now on, Real Madrid fully trusts the actions carried out by the corresponding competent bodies, such as the Higher Sports Council in this case.
Luis Rubiales refused to quit his role as the Spanish FA president (Getty Images)"Our club supports our women's soccer team and reiterates its congratulations for the historic feat achieved by winning the World Cup, and will continue working on the development and growth of women's soccer in our country."
Real Madrid's La Liga colleagues Valencia have also released a statement condemning Rubiales' actions. It read: "After hearing all the parties and the appearance of Luis Rubiales, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, at the Extraordinary Assembly that took place this Friday at the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas, Valencia CF wishes to state: We regret the lack of self-criticism, humility and humanity in the explanations that Luis Rubiales gave this Friday to the assembly members.
"His behavior in the final of the women's soccer World Cup that took place in Australia and in the Extraordinary Assembly of the RFEF are inappropriate given her position in a prestigious organization that represents all of us who make up the Spanish soccer family.
"Valencia CF wishes to show its support for Jennifer Hermoso, for all the players of our team, and regrets that an incident like this has diverted the focus of the team after the historic achievement of the Women's Soccer World Cup."