Former Spanish football federation (RFEF) president, Luis Rubiales, has recently raised questions about whether he is being targeted for trial because of his gender. Rubiales, who is now 46 years old, is set to face trial for allegedly kissing Spain forward, Jenni Hermoso, on the mouth after the final of last summer’s World Cup. However, Hermoso and her team-mates have claimed that the kiss was demeaning and non-consensual, which led to Rubiales’ resignation. In a recent interview with Spanish TV channel La Sexta, Rubiales strongly denied any wrongdoing and expressed his confusion about why he is facing charges in the first place.
Rubiales argued, “You cannot question Jennifer Hermoso, but you can question me – because I am a man? For me, there is no crime against Jennifer Hermoso.” He continued by saying that anyone who sees the images of the incident would struggle to consider it a sexual assault. Rubiales also expressed his concern for the impact this trial is having on his family and friends, who he believes are the real victims in this situation.
Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two and a half year jail sentence for Rubiales, as they accuse him not only of sexual assault but also of coercion. It is alleged that Rubiales forced Hermoso into saying that the kiss was consensual after the incident. However, Rubiales firmly denied these claims during his TV interview.
Reflecting on his behavior following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia in August 2023, Rubiales admitted that he should have acted more professionally. He acknowledged that he should have been “colder and more institutional” and not allowed his happiness to overshadow the gravity of the situation.
In an unrelated turn of events, Rubiales was arrested on Wednesday upon his arrival in Madrid from the Dominican Republic. The arrest was part of an investigation into corruption, and Rubiales is suspected of receiving illegal commissions in relation to a deal to host the Spanish Super Cup competition in Saudi Arabia. However, Rubiales vehemently denied these allegations, stating that he has “declared everything” and has never accepted a bribe in his life. He expressed frustration at having his bank accounts frozen, as he now finds himself unable to pay for even a simple drink. Rubiales emphasized that if there is an investigation, there must be a presumption of innocence.
Rubiales’ case raises important questions about gender bias and the way allegations of assault are perceived. The fact that he is questioning whether he is being targeted due to his gender highlights concerns about how society views and treats male victims in cases of alleged sexual assault. While it is crucial to respect and support the experiences of victims, it is equally important to ensure that individuals are given a fair trial and that any potential biases are addressed.
In conclusion, Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, faces trial for allegedly kissing a player without her consent. He has raised questions about whether his gender is influencing the charges against him. Rubiales firmly denies any wrongdoing and argues that the incident should not be considered a sexual assault. Additionally, he is facing unrelated corruption charges and maintains his innocence in that case as well. This situation highlights important discussions about gender bias and the need for fair and unbiased trials in cases of alleged assault.