Georgia Stanway, an England football player, believes that the resignation of Luis Rubiales as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) should mark the beginning of a cultural shift, rather than the end of the incident involving Rubiales and midfielder Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales officially announced his resignation on Sunday, three weeks after he kissed Hermoso during the World Cup final trophy presentation in Sydney. It was reported on Monday that an investigation into Rubiales has been opened by a high court judge in Spain.
The complaint against Rubiales was initially submitted by Hermoso to Spain’s national prosecutor’s office. The office then filed charges of sexual assault and coercion with the high court. The court has now accepted the complaint and will decide whether the case should proceed to trial or be dismissed. Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, Rubiales had previously refused to step down, even in the face of disciplinary proceedings by FIFA and a criminal complaint in Spanish courts.
Stanway, who was part of the England team that lost to Hermoso’s team in Sydney, hopes that this incident will lead to broader discussions about workplace behaviors and create an environment where individuals feel comfortable standing up for what they believe is right. “We want this to be the start of something, rather than the end of something,” Stanway stated. She emphasized that everyone, including players, staff, and journalists, fought for a fair outcome.
Rubiales had previously stated that he would not resign from his position during an RFEF emergency general assembly. However, FIFA provisionally suspended him the following day pending an investigation. In addition to the controversial kiss, Rubiales was photographed grabbing his groin while celebrating the World Cup win, in the presence of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her daughter.
Rubiales posted on social media platform X, “After the rapid suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of proceedings open against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.” He also mentioned that he believes in the truth and will do everything in his power to prevail.
No public statements have been made by Hermoso or the rest of the Spain squad who protested Rubiales’ continued presence in office. UEFA acknowledged Rubiales’ resignation, expressing gratitude for his service to European football. The governing body made no further comments in light of ongoing legal proceedings.
Spain is scheduled to play against Sweden and Switzerland in the Nations League on September 22 and 26.
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