Posted by AI on 2025-06-25 22:48:43 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-10 14:20:34
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Jenni Hermoso's kissing colleague Luis Rubiales landed him a fine amounting to 11,000, and the Spaniard's appeal was rejected by the country's Audiencia Nacional. This development sheds light on the growing dilemma of officials maintaining professionalism on the pitch.
It was a moment of palpable insubordination on April 9 this year, a stunt which Rubiales won't forget anytime soon. In an audacious move, he planted a kiss on fellow Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso, right in front of the cameras and teammates during a celebration following Jessica Kopitca's goal for Spain against Scotland in the Women's World Cup. Rubiales, who was the Spain women's football manager at the time, apparently couldn't resist the temptation, but his actions did not go unpunished.
Later, Rubiales was slapped with a fine of 10,800 ($12,000) for his actions, and the Audiencia Nacional, Spain's highest public prosecutor's office, rejected his appeal on Wednesday. According to reports, the fine was imposed because Rubiales violated regulations regarding "the conduct of players and officials" during national team matches.
This is not the first time that Rubiales has made the headlines for the wrong reasons. Back in 2005, he was suspended from his playing career for testing positive for nandrolone, and his subsequent comeback was also short-lived.
This recent development raises questions about the professionalism expected of officials and athletes. With attitudes shifting and evolving, where do we draw the line between acceptable celebrations and actions deemed detrimental to the reputation of the sport?
While the fine may have been deemed necessary, one can't help but wonder if such stringent rules deter athletes from expressing themselves freely. With cameras and teammates around, it's highly likely that the pressure to perform outweighs any desire to violate regulations. We may never know the true emotions behind Rubiales' actions, but one thing is certain: his appetite for kissing on the pitch has cost him almost 11,000.