Spanish leader who forcibly kissed player is detained at Madrid airport | World

Police officers detained Rubiales at Barajas airport, in Madrid, when the leader arrived in Spain from a trip to the Dominican Republic. While in the Latin American country, the Spanish Court issued a search and seizure warrant at the former president’s residences and at the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation.

The searches are part of an investigation into the commercial agreement made during Rubiales’ management for the Spanish Super Cup, one of the country’s main football championships, to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation at the women’s World Cup final, in August 2023 in Australia, in which Spain was champion.

The gesture generated an unprecedented wave of criticism, which culminated in the court case and the resignation of the leader, who resigned from his position after weeks of pressure, including from the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. He was also banned from the sport by FIFA.

Hermoso said he didn’t feel comfortable with the kiss.

This Wednesday, after being detained at the airport, Rubiales was taken to a Madrid court, where he will be questioned this afternoon.

FIFA bans Luis Rubiales from football for three years