‘Unwanted kiss’: Reactions as FIFA suspends Spanish football boss

Following the decision of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to suspend Spanish football boss, Luis Rubiales over allegations of an unwanted kiss on the lips of player, Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s women won the World Cup, football lovers on social media users have continued to react differently.

Sporting Tribune reports that FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days over his conduct of kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips while the player was collecting her medal after Spain’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney last weekend.

Despite the uproar that has continued to trail the development, Rubiales has refused to resign from his position as the Spanish football boss.

In a statement about the action taken by its disciplinary committee, FIFA disclosed that Rubiales’ suspension from national and international activities takes immediate effect.

Football lovers have, however, continued to take sides on the suspension by FIFA. While some are in support of the sanction, others are of the opinion that it was unnecessary. 

Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter), a user @Irrunia_ opined the Spanish FA boss “Should have been made to resign not just suspension.”

Another user @ogaparrot tweeted, “Just 90 days??? Nah they need to do better.”

“Provisionally? Sigh. I guess there’s due process and internal protocols to be followed so the Association isn’t subject to legal liability but he better be sacked in the end.” @kevanhuston tweeted.

On the other hand, Reno Omokri, a former aide to former President Jonathan, reacted in support of the Spanish boss.

“An English player at the just concluded FIFA female World Cup, Lauren James, stomped on Nigerian player Michelle Alozie’s back. And the incident is quickly forgotten. Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales gives an excited, consensual public kiss to one of his triumphant players, Jenni Hermoso, and the world wants to crucify him. 

“No criminal or civil charges were filed against Lauren James. She never apologised to Michelle Alozie, merely tweeting a public apology. But it is Luis Rubiales who is asked to resign. A man who achieved for Spain what no one had achieved before him? Someone who should be commended is now being condemned?,” He said.

Supporting Reno’s stance, @cogonnaya tweeted, “Hypocrisy at its peak, I didn’t see anything wrong that will warrant people asking for him to resign.”

Another user @kay_kay4u wrote, “This thing happened so fast. He might have done it while being engulfed in the celebratory mood.”