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Who is Juan Rubiales Lopez? Luis Rubiales' uncle slams him over Jenni Hermoso kiss controversy

Juan described his nephew as 'a man obsessed with power, luxury, money and even women'

MADRID, SPAIN: The controversy surrounding Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has taken an unexpected turn as his own uncle, Juan Rubiales López, has joined the chorus of his critics. In an explosive interview, Juan expressed scathing criticism of his nephew and sided with female soccer star Jenni Hermoso in what has come to be known as the "Kissgate" scandal.

Characterizing Luis as "a man obsessed with power, luxury, money, and even women," Juan minced no words in his assessment. He further described his nephew as a "boy" in need of "a social re-education programme and re-education in his relationship with women."

How did Luis Rubiales' family respond to the controversial kissing scandal?

Juan's remarks add a familial dimension to the unfolding drama, as he stated that "the idea of dignity" for the Rubiales family revolves around supporting Jenni and condemning "the embarrassing behaviour of this president."

The friction between Juan and his nephew traces back to their time working together at the Spanish Football Association. He expressed disapproval of the way Luis treated staff, contributing to the strained relationship.

These comments come in the wake of Rubiales' mother's hospitalization on the third day of her hunger strike, a protest against what she deemed the "inhuman" treatment of her son. Her resolve remained unshaken until her hospital admission, as she vowed to continue striking inside a 17th-century church in Motril, near Malaga, "until she dropped," reported Spanish newspaper El Confidencial.

Amid the unfolding drama, the 72-year-old mother urged Jenni to "tell the truth" about the kiss that has put her son's career in jeopardy. Luis has been slapped with a 90-day FIFA ban, and efforts are underway to remove him from his role. However, he remains steadfast in his refusal to resign.

While Juan acknowledged his respect for his nephew's mother and her suffering, he doubled down on his critique of Luis. Additionally, members of the family, including Luis' cousin Demelza, have rallied in support of Luis, sharing newly released footage that shows Jenni seemingly laughing at a meme related to the kiss incident. "Jenni was not assaulted. She does not behave as if she was assaulted. Why does she say these things and then you see her on the bus laughing and joking."

Was the kiss between Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso planned?

The controversy emerged when Luis sparked public outrage by kissing Jenni on the mouth as she received her medal following Spain's 1-0 victory. Jenni, in response, refuted Rubiales' assertion that the kiss had been agreed upon during a brief exchange between them.

She said in a statement, "I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out of place act without any consent on my part. I want to make it clear that at no time did the conversation to which Mr. Luis Rubiales refers to in his address take place, and, above all, was his kiss ever consensual. I want to reiterate as I did before that I did not like this incident."

In the aftermath, the Spanish football federation issued threats of legal action against Jenni as she challenged Luis' version of events, maintaining that she did not give her consent to the kiss. He claimed that Jenni "lifted me up" during the celebrations and agreed to "a little kiss. The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters." 

As a result of the escalating situation, FIFA took action by provisionally suspending Luis from all football-related activities at both national and international levels. Disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the football official. Adding to the turmoil, 81 Spanish players, including the entire Women's World Cup squad of 23 players, publicly declared their refusal to represent their country until Luis stepped down from his position.