Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish FA chief, has defended his controversial gesture at the Women’s World Cup final by claiming double standards.
Rubiales argued that he should not have faced punishment for grabbing his testicles while celebrating Spain’s victory against England in August.
He questioned why motorcycle champion Jorge Martin, who made a similar gesture last month, has not faced consequences.
Rubiales also faced backlash for allegedly kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso without consent after the final.
He eventually resigned as Spanish FA president after initially resisting pressure to step down.
Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has since been accused of behaving inappropriately towards some of England’s players.
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.”
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.
