- Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of fraud
- He is also denying allegations after his infamous World Cup kiss
- THIS is how he defends himself now
Amidst a whirlwind of controversy and legal scrutiny, Rubiales defends his actions in a candid TV interview, claiming the kiss was consensual. This article dives into the heart of the scandal that has rocked the soccer world, providing direct quotes and critical insights into the ongoing saga.
The Kiss Heard Round the World
In an explosive television interview, Luis Rubiales vehemently denied sexually assaulting Jennifer Hermoso, forward for the women's national team, during a globally televised medal ceremony. The incident, which Rubiales describes as a consensual "peck," has cast a long shadow over Spain's triumphant Women's World Cup victory.
Rubiales, facing a potential two-and-a-half year prison sentence, stands firm in his belief that no crime was committed. "For me, there is no crime," he asserted, claiming the interaction was devoid of any sexual connotation. Despite his apology for the kiss, Rubiales is baffled by the sexual assault allegations, questioning the public's interpretation of the event.
In a bold claim, Rubiales suggests his gender is a contributing factor to the scrutiny he faces, igniting a firestorm of debate about media bias and freedom of thought. "Anyone can be questioned, even you, any person … what you (media) are wanting to do is curtail the freedom of thought," he argued, challenging the narrative surrounding the incident.
The backlash was swift, with Rubiales stepping down from his role and facing a three-year ban from soccer-related activities by FIFA.
Amidst this turmoil, Rubiales was detained for questioning in Madrid, linked to a separate corruption probe, adding another layer to the scandal.
Jennifer Hermoso, the player at the center of the controversy, has publicly stated she did not consent to the kiss, revealing the personal toll of the ordeal, including receiving threats.
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As the legal battle unfolds, the soccer world watches closely, with the incident sparking conversations about consent, power dynamics, and the treatment of women in sports. Rubiales's staunch defense and the ongoing investigations promise to keep this story in the headlines for the foreseeable future.