Football boss releases dramatic statement as Spanish sports court begins probe into controversial WC kiss

Spain’s sports court has agreed to investigate Luis Rubiales for forcibly kissing a Women’s World Cup player as the scandal-hit football chief insisted he would defend himself to “prove the truth”.

The Spanish government lodged a complaint against Rubiales through the state-run National Sports Council (CSD) exactly a week ago, accusing him of “very serious” offences, Fox Sports reports.

But in agreeing to take the case, the Administrative Tribunal for Sport (TAD) said it considered the behaviour in question “serious”, falling short of the government’s characterisation of Rubiales’ actions.

Had the court accepted the “very serious” qualification, it would have allowed the Sports Council to suspend the 46-year-old head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for the duration of the case.

Rubiales has already been suspended by the world governing body FIFA for 90 days while it decides on disciplinary measures after he forcibly kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after Spain won the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney on August 20.

Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said CSD would “ask the court to temporarily suspend Rubiales from his duties until the case against him has been definitively resolved”.

“The Sports Council and the government believe the RFEF president’s actions should be classified as a very serious abuse of authority which damage the image of Spanish football,” he told a news conference.

“It’s over... We will not tolerate any lack of respect for women’s rights, nor will we back down on policies of equality between men and women in sport.”

Rubiales swiftly responded to the government pressure in a statement published by the newspaper El Mundo, his first public words since his fiery defensive speech last week in which he refused to resign.

“I want to send a message to all the good people in our country and beyond our borders, including those women who have really been attacked and who have my full support and understanding: this is not about gender, it is about truth,” said Rubiales.

Spain’s top criminal court has also opened a preliminary investigation into the kiss on the grounds it could constitute “sexual assault”, which under Spanish law covers a wide array of offences from online abuse to rape.

“On August 20, I made some obvious mistakes, for which I sincerely, from the heart, regret,” said Rubiales.

“I’ve learned that no matter how great the joy and how deep the emotion, even when you win a World Cup, sports leaders should be held to exemplary behaviour, and mine was not so.” Rubiales reiterated that the kiss was “a mutual and consensual act” with “overflowing jubilation on both sides”. He said he believed justice would prevail.

“I still have confidence in the independence of the bodies where this matter should be resolved, despite the political pressure and the interest-driven brutality of certain media outlets,” added Rubiales.

“Although information about this matter is being subjected to numerous manipulations, lies, and censorship, the truth has only one path, and that’s why I repeat, I trust that justice will be served.” Rubiales also criticised politicians for giving their opinions on his behaviour. “I am particularly concerned that some of those who should proclaim and contribute to ensuring the separation of powers in our country are determined to take part and exert pressure against me, instead of allowing justice to act ... while remaining impartial,” he complained.