Spain’s coaching staff from their triumphant Women’s World Cup campaign, with the exception of manager Jorge Vilda, have resigned due to the Luis Rubiales controversy. Assistant managers Montse Tome, Javier Lerga, and Eugenio Gonzalo Martin, along with physio Blanca Romero Moraleda and goalkeeper coach Carlos Sanchez, have stepped down. Furthermore, six individuals linked to various age levels of the national team have also resigned in protest.
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), faced widespread backlash and was temporarily suspended by FIFA after he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final. The coaching staff released a statement expressing their strong condemnation of Rubiales’ behavior, asserting that they are relinquishing their roles due to his “unacceptable attitudes and statements.”
This controversy has generated divisions within Spanish football, including the criticism of Rubiales by the head coach of Spain’s men’s team, Luis de la Fuente. Despite calls for his resignation, Rubiales has remained steadfast, and the RFEF has announced its intention to pursue legal action against Hermoso’s claims that the kiss was non-consensual.
In addition to these events, the Spanish football landscape has experienced further upheaval. In response to the controversy surrounding Rubiales, Spanish players, including the entire 23-member squad that participated in the Women’s World Cup, have declared that they will not play for the national women’s team until Rubiales is removed from his position.
Amidst this turmoil, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, and the Spanish government has initiated legal actions seeking to suspend him.
-BBC-
