Championing Consent: The Battle for Respect in Women’s Football

Foto: imago/Jose Breton

Luis Rubiales has finally bowed to immense pressure and stepped down as the head of Spain’s football federation. This decision follows the scandal surrounding his inappropriate kiss with a female player after their Women’s World Cup victory, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against gender inequality.

After defiantly rejecting calls for his resignation for three weeks, Rubiales announced his departure in a television interview. He cited discussions with his family and friends as the reason behind this choice. Additionally, he relinquished his position as vice-president of UEFA, the European football governing body.

Kiss Controversy: Rubiales Bows to Pressure Amid Scandal

The incident unfolded following Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup win in Australia on August 20th. During the medal ceremony, Rubiales held Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips, asserting that the kiss was consensual. However, Hermoso vehemently disputed his account, labeling it “categorically false” and refuting any prior agreement. Immediately after the incident, during a live Instagram feed in the locker room, Spain’s top scorer openly expressed her discomfort, emphasizing that she “didn’t like it.” Subsequently, she challenged Rubiales’ narrative, describing herself as the victim of a “sexist impulse.”

Jennifer Hermoso’s Courageous Response: Championing Consent in Women’s Football

Moreover, during the game, Rubiales was captured making an offensive gesture while celebrating a goal near Spain’s Queen Letizia and one of her daughters.

Jennifer Hermoso filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales in Madrid on September 6th, and two days later, a Spanish prosecutor pressed charges against him.

Impact Beyond the Field: Rubiales’ Resignation and Legal Repercussions

This scandal has transcended the realm of sports, infiltrating Spain’s political landscape as the nation grapples with government formation after general elections on July 23rd. The caretaker administration, a coalition of Socialists and far-left groups, pledged to remove Rubiales. Victor Francos, Spain’s top sports official, likened this moment to a “Me Too” movement for football within the country.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned Rubiales’ actions, emphasizing the pressing need for gender equality and respect. He labeled what transpired as “unacceptable.”

On August 25th, during a gathering of predominantly male Spanish football officials, Rubiales shocked attendees by firmly resisting calls for his resignation. He reiterated five times that he would not step down, earning applause from many present, including the fired female team’s coach, Jorge Vilda.

However, Rubiales’ attempts to discredit Hermoso ignited a wave of criticism, swaying public opinion against him. FIFA, the global governing body of football, suspended Rubiales for 90 days on August 26th, and the entire women’s squad refused to represent Spain as long as he remained in office. A caretaker president was appointed to replace him.

A global movement emerged in support of Hermoso and her teammates, with social media outrage coalescing around the phrase “se acabo,” signifying “it’s over.” This expression not only marked the end of Rubiales’ tenure but also underscored the broader condemnation of sexual harassment against women. In central Madrid, hundreds of people took to the streets, chanting “it’s not a peck, it’s aggression.” Spain, with its strict legislation on sexual consent outlined in the “Only Yes Means Yes” law, may witness ongoing legal consequences. Prosecutors recently filed charges against football chief Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion related to the kiss he gave player Jennifer Hermoso last month while celebrating the country’s Women’s World Cup victory in Australia.