Luis Rubiales: Spanish FA president breaks silence after FIFA ban and defends kiss with Jenni Hermoso

Luis Rubiales has been hit with a 90-day suspension by FIFA (Getty)

Luis Rubiales has issued a new statement following his FIFA ban and has continued to defend his decision to kiss Jenni Hermoso without her consent after Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final.

After refusing to resign from his position as president of the Spanish Football Federation in the wake of the backlash, Rubiales was given a 90-day suspension by FIFA and ordered not to contact Hermoso.

Rubiales has accused Hermoso of lying about her version of events and, in an attempt to clear his name, sent a video to FIFA showing the Spanish player laughing about the incident with her teammates.

In his statement released on Friday evening, Rubiales denies ‘aggression’ towards Hermoso and described the incident as a ‘affectionate mutual gesture’.

Rubiales has also asked for a ‘fair trial in the name of feminism’.

Luis Rubiales’ statement in full…

‘On August 20, I made some obvious mistakes, which I regret sincerely, from the heart. It is true that for such errors I have asked for forgiveness because it was fair; and now I do it again with humility. I do it convinced and with the purpose of improving.

‘I have learned that no matter how great the joy is and deep the emotion, including a World Cup win, sports leaders should be required to exhibit exemplary behavior, and mine was not.

Luis Rubiales continues to claim his kiss with Jenni Hermoso was ‘mutual'(SPP/Shutterstock)

‘Therefore, I reiterate, once again, my apologies for this to the footballers, the federation and other football entities in a clear, emphatic and unmitigated manner. Also to football fans and to all those who may have been offended by my actions.

‘I also gave the corresponding explanations, telling the truth of what happened. It’s my only version, the one that I’ve maintained from the beginning and I continue to defend and I am not going to modify.

‘The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm. At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.

‘I repeat: with the consent of both parties, both with affectionate hugs, as well as the kiss and subsequent parting thereafter full of affectionate mutual gestures, which occurred in the medal ceremony on stage.

‘Evidence, expert reports, documentation, videos, etc. have been provided and will continue to be provided. Pertinent evidence that proves the reality of what happened. Evidence is not opinions, it’s clear facts.

‘From the beginning the RFEF, through its integrity department, carried out the pertinent procedures. I was called and collaborated to clarify the facts. I am the most interested party. I will continue to collaborate in all areas so that all of this until it comes to an end.

‘In this sense, I have also gone along with the procedure opened by FIFA to defend my position. And I will continue to do so with all the other (proceedings), where I can demonstrate my honour.

‘I am especially concerned that some of those who should proclaim and help guarantee the separation of powers in our country, insist on taking part and putting pressure on me, instead of letting justice act with all the guarantees, staying uninvolved.

‘Throughout this period I have suffered an unprecedented political and media lynching from which I have remained completely on the fringes. Not only nationally but globally. Despite this, I have also felt the growing support of people on the street and on social media.

‘I feel that something has changed and in the face of such spurious injustice and public judgment, ordinary citizens, women and men alike, have come together. I want to thank you here and now.

‘It’s time to thank you infinitely for your immense support, for believing me, for not getting carried away by this campaign fabricated against me. Popular support reinforces for me the idea that this issue has been magnified and taken out of context for other reasons.

‘I continue to trust in the independence of the bodies where this issue must be resolved, despite the fact that the political pressure and that of certain media with interests is brutal.

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‘And that the information on this matter is being subject to a multitude of manipulations, lies and censorship. But the truth only has one path and that is why, I repeat, I am confident that justice will be done.

‘Today, the TAD (administrative court) has decided to open a file on me. As there is no reason, according to the resolution supported by said body, to classify any action as very serious, a provisional suspension may not be applied by the CSD Board of Directors.

‘I’ll continue to defend myself to prove the truth. I want to send a message to all the good people in our country and beyond our borders, including those women who’ve really been abused, and who have my full support and understanding: this isn’t about gender, it’s about the truth.

‘In the name of feminism, it must not be about trying to sink a man – or a woman – without a fair trial. Equality is about identical rights for everyone. Justice must be applied to people without the gender having an impact on the result.’

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