Luis Rubiales: Resignation protects men’s game and offers no certainty of a culture change
Ultimately, the potential damage to men’s football pushed Luis Rubiales into resigning.
For three weeks, he had resisted calls to quit as Spanish football federation president.
Even after the Women’s World Cup winning squad refused to play again for their country.
Even as protests grew in the streets of Spain.
Even when his position became untenable.
He was never going to survive in the job – especially without an unreserved, immediate apology to Jenni Hermoso for the non-consensual podium kiss.
But he wanted to go down with a fight, until there seemed to be an intervention.
Spain is bidding with Portugal and Morocco for the 2030 World Cup.
And the resignation statement from Rubiales made clear that “stability” is required to protect that bid.
Protecting the prospect of bringing the biggest men’s football event to Spain seemed the priority.
Whatever happens, the men mustn’t suffer, is the impression.
Just look at how many global male football leaders spoke publicly on camera in the three weeks since the final in Sydney? None.
Not even to show any solidarity with Hermoso or to discuss sexism in football more broadly.
Perhaps they did not want to pre-empt the outcome of investigations into Rubiales.
But Rubiales still does not comprehend the magnitude of his actions.
Beyond the kiss itself in Sydney, it was his attempt to publicly discredit Hermoso and threaten legal action against her that contributed to his suspension from football.
Undermining Hermoso so publicly – lashing out at liars – shows why victims of sexual misconduct can find it so difficult speaking out against powerful accusers.
What Rubiales views as facing “persecution” is “sexual aggression” to Hermoso who has made a criminal complaint against the former UEFA vice president.
Prosecutors will decide whether Rubiales should face criminal charges. FIFA will decide whether his suspension will turn into a long-term ban.
Rubiales blames everyone but himself.
There will be new leadership in Spain.
But how many officials will remain who helped to protect Jorge Vilda while the women’s team coach was accused of disrespecting players?
He was ultimately dismissed last week, beginning the clear out.
The resignation of Rubiales offers no certainty of a new culture in Spanish football free of sexism and misogyny.
But the apologies issued last week by the federation’s temporary leadership are a start – leaving Rubiales isolated while still trying to justify his actions.
And it should be the players in the spotlight – celebrating their World Cup success.