LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – European football’s governing body, UEFA, is facing sharp criticism from prominent figures including Ian Wright, Ada Hegerberg, and Casey Stoney for its lack of response regarding the Luis Rubiales’ kissing scandal.
The president of the Spanish Football Federation faced a provisional suspension from FIFA over the weekend after refusing to step down for his controversial act of kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory.
Rubiales, who also serves as a UEFA vice-president and holds significant roles within the organization, is under scrutiny for his behavior.
Despite FIFA’s actions, UEFA has not made an official statement on the matter. Rubiales, who earns approximately £214,000 annually from his UEFA role, could remain on UEFA’s executive committee until 2027.
Rubiales also holds key positions such as chairman of UEFA’s Club Licensing Committee and deputy chairman of their Marketing Advisory Committee.
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Criticism has mounted against UEFA’s silence, with former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright tweeting, ‘Good. But still silence from UEFA. No comment on the behavior of their Vice President.’
Prominent Norwegian footballer Ada Hegerberg expressed her concern over Rubiales’ actions and stated, ‘This is the @UEFA Vice-President, re-elected in the executive committee earlier this year, dropping that horrendous speech. If you don’t see the issue, you are part of it.’
Casey Stoney, a respected figure in women’s football, also joined the chorus, urging UEFA to take action and stand up for their values.
The controversy surrounding Rubiales arose after he kissed Hermoso on the mouth during a medal ceremony, an act that stirred outrage.
Rubiales later expressed regret for a separate incident where he was seen making an inappropriate gesture near Queen Letizia of Spain and her daughter.
Rubiales’ account of the incident differed from Hermoso’s version, leading to legal threats from the Spanish football federation against her for claiming she did not consent to the kiss.
FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales and initiated disciplinary proceedings against him.
In a show of unity, 81 Spanish players, including the entire squad from the Women’s World Cup, have declared that they will not represent their country until Rubiales is removed from his position.
UEFA’s silence in the face of this controversy has sparked frustration and calls for action from within the football community.