![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0040994640h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
President of the Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, speaks during a welcome ceremony to Spanish Uder-21 national soccer team members in Las Rozas Soccer City in Madrid, Spain, 01 July 2019. Spain won 2-1 against Germany in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2019 final match held in Udine, Italy, on 30 June 2019. Welcome to UEFA Under-21 EURO Championship winners in Madrid !ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG! PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xFERNANDOxVILLARx GRAF7132 20190701-636975922560743679
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0040994640h.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
President of the Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, speaks during a welcome ceremony to Spanish Uder-21 national soccer team members in Las Rozas Soccer City in Madrid, Spain, 01 July 2019. Spain won 2-1 against Germany in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2019 final match held in Udine, Italy, on 30 June 2019. Welcome to UEFA Under-21 EURO Championship winners in Madrid !ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG! PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xFERNANDOxVILLARx GRAF7132 20190701-636975922560743679
RFEF President Luis Rubiales is undoubtedly having the worst spell of his professional career. Rubiales was suspended when he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips without consent after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final. The controversial kiss happened as the Spaniards were celebrating their victory over England in the finals. Since his suspension, Rubiales has been under heavy scrutiny and investigation, and it turns out he might be guilty of more than just the one aforementioned allegation during his time in office.
Former Referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez has submitted a formal complaint to the Ministry of Sport, alleging misappropriation of funds.
How Serious Is The Allegation?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fernandez’ complaint alleges that multiple people from the Spanish Football Association are associated with this misappropriation of funds. This includes Rubiales, General Secretary Andreu Camps, and Head of the Technical Committee (CTA) for Referees Luis Medina Cantalejo and his predecessor Carlos Velasco Carballo. Fernandez claims the officials have misused around €1.2 million and committed a serious infraction. The charges could lead to suspensions for a span of 2-15 years for the officials.
Fernandez submitted his complaint because he believes Rubiales and the other officials are responsible for a “very serious offense consisting of the incorrect use of private funds.” The Spanish government is moving to remove Rubiales, who insists he is a victim of a witch-hunt. Although already suspended, Rubiales is under pressure from several individuals, organizations, and officials to resign altogether.
While his investigation under FIFA is already underway, the Spanish government is trying to have him dismissed independently.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Updates from the Kissing Investigation
Besides this, the state panel will decide whether Rubiales misused his authority by kissing Hermoso after the World Cup. Spanish authorities believe that Rubiales was responsible for abusing his authority and damaging the reputation of the country on a world stage and “that is difficult to repair.” As things stand, Rubiales could be banned from office for two years.
Since stepping down, Rubiales said he has “committed some evident mistakes.” However, he maintained that his kiss with Hermoso was “mutual, consensual and occurred in a moment of euphoria.” Hermoso staunchly disagrees with this assessment. She believes she was a victim of abuse of power. While the federation initially accused Hermoso of lying, even threatening legal action against her, Rubiales is currently serving a 90-day suspension.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think Rubiales will be banned as evidence begins to mount? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch This Story: WATCH: Baseball Star Swings Flaming Bat. Launches Viral Hit Into The Stands