The ongoing controversy surrounding Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has reached new heights as his mother, Ángeles Béjar, has staged a hunger strike inside a church in protest against her son’s treatment. Reports confirm that Béjar locked herself inside the church of the Divine Shepherdess in Rubiales’ hometown of Motril, Andalusia, stating that her protest would continue until the alleged “witch hunt” against her son came to an end. This latest development has only intensified the already heated situation surrounding Rubiales and raises concerns about the potential consequences for his presidency.
Last Friday, FIFA imposed a provisional 90-day suspension on Rubiales, prohibiting him from partaking in any football-related activities. This decision came after Spain’s Supreme Sports Council sought to have him removed from his position due to his behavior following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory. Rubiales’ unsolicited kiss on Spain player Jenni Hermoso prompted widespread criticism and allegations of sexual abuse. In response, Rubiales adamantly denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the kiss was consensual and vowing to take legal action against Hermoso and her union, Futpro. Spain prosecutors have since announced the opening of a preliminary sexual abuse investigation into the incident, further fueling the controversy surrounding Rubiales.
A Mother’s Desperate Stand
Ángeles Béjar’s hunger strike and self-imposed isolation inside the church of Motril serve as a powerful symbol of her support for her son. She refused to leave until Rubiales’ name has been cleared and asserted that there was no sexual abuse involved, citing the visual evidence provided. Béjar expressed her belief in her son’s innocence, stating, “My son is incapable of hurting anyone.” Her cousin, Vanessa Ruiz Béjar, expressed solidarity with Rubiales, emphasizing the toll this situation has taken on their family. Vanessa also questioned the credibility of Jenni Hermoso’s changing testimonies, asserting that the family has endured undue harassment. The emotional and tense atmosphere surrounding Rubiales has reached an alarming level.
The controversy surrounding Rubiales has not only gripped Spain but has also attracted international attention. His conduct, as well as his refusal to take responsibility for his actions, has drawn widespread condemnation from football clubs, players, and politicians alike. The cancellation of a friendly football match, intended to support Rubiales, due to concerns over public order demonstrates the extent of the division within the community. Moreover, Spain’s Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz addressed the systemic issue of male chauvinism in the country, highlighting the urgent need for a broader shift in social attitudes and improved protection for victims of sexual harassment and violence.
The crisis surrounding Luis Rubiales continues to escalate, straining familial relationships and inflicting reputational damage on not only him but the entire Spanish Football Federation. As authorities investigate the allegations of sexual abuse, the fallout from this controversy appears far from over. The implications for the future of Rubiales’ presidency and the reputation of Spanish football hang in the balance.
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