President of the Spanish Football Association (FA), Luis Rubiales, has faced strong criticism from his own uncle, who has described him as a “cowardly man” with an “obsession” for power, luxury, money, and women.
Rubiales has been handed a suspension by FIFA from all football-related activities due to his conduct during the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
He was captured on camera grabbing his crotch during Spain’s 1-0 victory over England.
Additionally, he was seen hugging players and kissing Barcelona striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the post-match medal ceremony.
Despite facing widespread backlash, Rubiales has chosen not to resign and continues to defend himself.
His mother has even resorted to a hunger strike to clear his name. However, the entire squad of 23 players from Spain’s World Cup-winning team has vowed not to represent the national team until he steps down from his position.
Furthermore, 11 members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching staff have resigned.
Rubiales has faced criticism from various notable figures in sports and government. Now, his own uncle has questioned the character of the 46-year-old FA chief.
Juan Rubiales, who served as his nephew’s chief of staff at the RFEF between 2018 and 2020 but now endures a strained relationship with a close family member, has told El Confidencial: “Dignity is to defend Jenni, understand her, and reproach the embarrassing behaviour of this president.
“He is a proud, arrogant person and his great enemy is himself. He is suffering because of his pride and arrogance. And now he does not have the slightest dignity to get out of this trance in an honourable way.
“He is a cowardly man. When he puts on the boss’ hat, of course, he feels that he is the best.
“He is a man obsessed with power, obsessed with luxury, obsessed with money, even with women. I believe that this boy needs a programme of social re-education and re-education in his relationship with women.”
UEFA has rejected calls from the RFEF for Spanish teams to be banned from European competition as a result of government interference in sporting matters, but a long-running saga appears set to drag on for some time yet.