The Spanish FA have launched an internal investigation after its sexual violence protocol was activated.
Federation president Luis Rubiales was provisionally suspended by FIFA on Saturday for actions stemming from his kiss of footballer Jenni Hermoso in the aftermath of Spain’s World Cup win last week.
The Spanish star issued a lengthy statement on Friday rebuffing claims from the 46-year-old that the kiss had been consensual.
In the latest development, Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, a referee and the current protocol protection delegate – whose role is to investigate and send her findings to the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee when a complaint has been submitted – revealed a probe had been launched.
‘Our protocol is currently activated and in the midst of investigating the events, thus we demand the utmost respect for the right to privacy and dignity of all individuals involved,’ she said in a letter published by the federation.
‘As the protection delegate for sexual violence, my duty is to adhere to the protocol and safeguard the privacy of those affected by this incident and of the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee.’
The fallout from Rubiales’ unwillingness to step down reached breaking point in recent days with resignations and boycotts en masse across the federation.
All 23 members of Spain’s victorious World Cup squad signed a statement refusing to play until the 46-year-old was sacked, following his stunning refusal to quit during an emergency assembly on Friday.
Rhe damming situation continued to intensify on Saturday as all 11 members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching staff walked out and condemned Rubiales’ conduct.
FIFA’s ban initially lasts for 90 days, covers all football-related activity and instructs him to ‘refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact’ Hermoso.
While he continues to refuse to step down, Rubiales also faces fresh investigation from the Spanish government, who have started legal proceedings. Victor Francos, head of the government’s National Sports Council, said the government sees this as the ‘MeToo of Spanish football,’ the reports.
Francos said: ‘What Mr Rubiales has done is aggravate the situation. The government will not be impassive.”’
He continued: ‘The government begins today the procedures so that Mr Rubiales has to give explanations before the Administrative Court of Sport [TAD] and, if the TAD is willing, we will suspend Mr Rubiales in his functions.’
It is expected a court hearing will take place on today, August 28.
