Luis Rubiales, the ex-president of the Spanish Football Federation, is now embroiled in another controversy following allegations of inappropriate behavior during the Women’s World Cup trophy ceremony.
Rubiales, who was accused of forcibly kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso without consent earlier, has now been accused of engaging in unwanted physical contact with two England players. The incident occurred after Spain's 1-0 victory over England in the final on August 20, with footage showing Rubiales kissing Hermoso on the lips.
The new allegations surfaced in a FIFA disciplinary committee report, where Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English Football Association, described witnessing Rubiales's actions. Hewitt recalled Rubiales "cupping and stroking" England's Laura Coombs' face, which she found "slightly odd," followed by him forcefully kissing Lucy Bronze on the face.
Rubiales refuted these claims, criticizing Hewitt for "hypocrisy," as she too embraced players during the ceremony. He condemned Hewitt's portrayal of him as "some sort of creep" as "absolutely disgusting."
Rubiales resigned from his position on September 10 amidst growing backlash and player protests. FIFA also imposed a three-year ban on him in October for his conduct.
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