What Luis Rubiales’s trial will reveal
Spectator (UK)JAN 20
Ex-Spanish Soccer Chief on Trial Over World Cup Kiss
Above: Luis Rubiales (R) kisses Jennifer Hermoso during the FIFA Women's World Cup Final medal ceremony at Stadium Australia on Aug. 20, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. Image copyright: Noemi Llamas/Contributor/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Rubiales' kiss was a spontaneous gesture of celebration during a moment of national triumph, occurring without bad faith in a time of maximum jubilation. The incident has been blown out of proportion amidst cultural and political posturing, and become a witch hunt against Rubiales.
Narrative B
This inappropriate act represented an abuse of power and highlighted deep-rooted sexism in Spanish soccer, tainting what should have been one of the greatest achievements in Spanish women's sports history. The incident demonstrates how female athletes continue to face inappropriate treatment from male authority figures.