Following the activation of Spain‘s football federation’s sexual violence protocol, an internal investigation has been initiated Spain’s football federation, source.
This comes after federation president Luis Rubiales faced suspension by FIFA for reportedly kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory.
Hermoso, aged 33, has stated that the kiss, which occurred after last Sunday’s match, was not consensual.
Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, the delegate responsible for protocol protection, has confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation the source.
In a letter published by the federation (RFEF), she emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of all parties involved and acknowledged her role in adhering to the protocol’s guidelines.
Once a complaint is lodged, the protocol is activated, enabling the protection delegate – in this case, female referee Madrona – to investigate and report findings to the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee.
Amid the ongoing situation, the RFEF convened an “extraordinary and urgent” meeting with regional federations on Monday to assess the federation’s circumstances.
While Fifa’s suspension of Rubiales prompted a directive to refrain from contacting Hermoso, the RFEF had earlier threatened her with legal action.
Despite calls for his resignation, Rubiales expressed determination to persist, vowing to “fight until the end” during an extraordinary general assembly.
Spain’s secretary of sport and head of the state-run National Sports Council, Victor Francos, revealed that legal proceedings were initiated by the government to suspend Rubiales, calling for accountability before the Sport Court (TAD).
Additionally, Spanish sports minister Miquel Iceta disclosed plans to request a TAD meeting on Monday.
Should the TAD accept the government’s complaint, immediate measures could be taken to suspend Rubiales’ presidential functions.
