Former Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales has defended the indecent gesture he made at the Women's World Cup final with a double standards claim.
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Luis Rubiales defends crotch grabAccuses Spain of 'double standards'Ex-Spanish FA chief under investigationWHAT HAPPENED?
Rubiales has argued that he should not have been punished for grabbing his testicles as he celebrated Spain's victory against England in the FIFA Women's World Cup final in August. The 46-year-old has questioned why motorcycle champion Jorge Martin has not been punished after making a similar gesture last month.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Rubiales sparked controversy when he kissed Spain striker Jenni Hermoso – allegedly without consent – after the Women's World Cup final, and resigned as Spanish FA president three weeks later after initially resisting pressure to do so. He has since faced allegations that he behaved inappropriately towards some of England's players, who Spain beat in the final. Rubiales has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
WHAT RUBIALES SAID
In a YouTube interview with Alvise Perez, Rubiales said: "They have given me a year and a half sanction for the gesture [crotch grabbing].A few days ago we had a motorcycling champion who made the same gesture. You honestly believe that the Secretary of State is going to mention it or that they are going to sanction him. No, right?And besides, they shouldn't because it's a gesture of joy."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR RUBIALES?
FIFA has banned Rubiales from all football-related activities for three years, and he is currently under investigation by Spain's Public Prosecutor for alleged sexual assault after Hermoso claimed she did not consent to being kissed.