Who was the Spanish Player Kiss? A Scandalous Story Revealed
In the world of sports, there have been many controversies and scandals surrounding players, coaches, and even officials. One recent example is the scandal that rocked the Spanish women’s national soccer team when the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, was involved in a kiss scandal.
The Scandal Revealed
On September 1, 2020, Spain’s national team won the Women’s FIFA World Cup, and President Luis Rubiales decided to celebrate by kissing Jennifer Hermoso, a player in the team, on the lips. This seemingly innocuous act sparked outrage from many, with many citing that it was a transgression of boundaries and not acceptable behavior in the competitive sports environment.
Aftermath of the Scandal
The aftermath of the scandal was significant, with many calling for Rubiales to be fired and condemned the act as unacceptable behavior. The Spanish Football Association (RFEF) launched an investigation into the incident, and eventually, Rubiales was suspended as the head of the national team. He was initially given a 30-month suspension, but it was later reduced to 7 months.
Investigations and Outcomes
Several investigations were conducted on the incident, with several organizations and bodies looking into the matter. Some highlights of the investigations and their outcomes include:
• Spanish Sports Council (TAD): The TAD was the first to launch an investigation into the incident and ultimately found Rubiales to have committed a "very serious offense."
• Civil Court: The civil court in Madrid ordered Rubiales to pay Hermoso’s team, Atlético Féminino, 70,000 euros ($74,000) in moral damages.
• Criminal Case: Rubiales faced criminal charges for sexual harassment, but the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Significance and Impact
The kiss scandal has significant implications for several stakeholders in the Spanish Football Federation, including the board members, coaches, players, and fans. This incident highlights the need for strict adherence to professionalism in sports, as players need to maintain a professional rapport with each other.
Table: Key Dates in the Scandal
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2020 | Spain wins Women’s FIFA World Cup; President Luis Rubiales kisses player Jennifer Hermoso |
| September 2020 | RFEF launches an investigation into the incident |
| October 2020 | Rubiales is given a 30-month suspension as head of the national team |
| December 2020 | Rubiales’ suspension is reduced to 7 months |
The kiss scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism in sports. While the incident was viewed as a harmless celebration in some quarters, many criticized it as crossing a red line.