The row against disgraced former Spanish federation president, Luis Rubiales, keeps on getting newsworthy. He has been charged with sexual harrassment and corruption. What's come up recently is Rabiales counter arguing that all these actions and accusations are being targeted towards him because he's a man.
This whole thing began in August of last year at the conclusion of the Women's World Cup. Spain had just defeated England 1-0. During the medal ceremony, Rabiale inappropriately kissed midfielder Jennifer Hermoso. It was this action that caused the latter to file a sexual harrassment, coercion and assault case against him. A lawsuit was officially filed in March before the National Court in Madrid.
When there was a complete resignation from the Spanish team, FIFA was forced to suspend Rubiales for 90 days on all levels of football activities. Amid all the controversy, Rubiales came out to apologise and defended himself by claiming it was, "a gesture of friendship and gratitude", something "totally spontaneous due to the immense joy that comes from winning a World Cup."
This was not accepted. He got criticised heavily for this. There were calls for his resignation. In addition to this, the AFE (Association of Spanish Footballers) gave an ultimatium: Rubiales must resign or they will demand him to be applied to the Sport's Law. In light of this, FIFA opened a disciplinary proceedings against him.
On 9 September, he resigned from the direction of the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) and as the vice-president of UEFA. On 30 October, the FIFA Disciplinary Commission disqualified him for three years from holding any position or activity related to football. During this year, the Prosecutor's Office requested a sentence of two and a half years in prison for the crimes of sexual assault and coercion.
He has recently been suspected of receiving illegal commissions regarding the staging of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. His residence and the offices of the Spanish Football Federation were raided while he was in the Dominican Republic. State prosecutors raided 11 premises across the country. This relates to the investigations into corruption and money laundering.
In response, Rubiales has denied the assault and claims the kiss was consentual. He claims all this is happening due to him being a man. He said in an interview, "For me, there is no crime,” Rubiales told TV channel La Sexta. “That is my opinion, my humble opinion, which I also lived through.” "Anyone can be questioned, even you, any person … what you (media) are wanting to do is curtail the freedom of thought … many news outlets want to curtail the freedom of thought."
To me, this whole saga is a big mess. The good news that there is a central nexus - Luis Rubiale. Rubiale's excuse and apology is total hogwash. The evidence is clear cut. There's no need to make a call to the SVU of Law & Order. There is no sexism involved in this and in my view, Rubiale is as guilty as hell.