Disgraced former Spanish football president Luis Rubiales faced a humiliating public spectacle as he had eggs thrown at him during the launch of his new book in Madrid.
Eggs Fly at Controversial Figure
The incident occurred on Thursday during the presentation of Rubiales' book, "Matar a Rubiales" (Killing Rubiales). A man, whom Rubiales later identified as his own uncle, launched three eggs in the direction of the 48-year-old. At least one egg appeared to strike Rubiales on the back during the chaotic scene.
National police confirmed the arrest of a Spanish man at the event but declined to verify the alleged family connection. Rubiales described the alleged attacker, Luis Ruben, as a "deranged person" and expressed fear that he might have been armed. The former football chief stated that legal action would be pursued against his uncle.
Chaotic Scenes and Political Claims
Witnesses reported that Rubiales attempted to chase after his uncle immediately following the egging incident but was restrained by other attendees at the book launch. This public shaming comes amid Rubiales' ongoing legal battles and controversial public statements.
Earlier this week, Rubiales had appeared on Spanish television claiming he fell victim to "a sudden far-left movement" that allegedly created a "parallel reality" around the non-consensual kiss incident with World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso.
Legal Fallout from World Cup Kiss
The egg-throwing incident represents just the latest chapter in Rubiales' dramatic fall from grace. The former RFEF president was fined €10,800 for forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain's Women's World Cup victory in Sydney in August 2023.
Under Spain's penal code, a non-consensual kiss is considered sexual assault, a legal category encompassing various forms of sexual violence. Despite the conviction, Rubiales continues to insist the kiss was consensual, and his lawyer confirmed in June they would appeal to the supreme court after a Spanish appeals court upheld the fine.
The controversial kiss sparked international outrage, ultimately forcing Rubiales to resign from his position. The scandal also resulted in a three-year ban from all football-related activities and plunged the Spanish football federation into prolonged turmoil.
The incident transformed Jenni Hermoso, the all-time top scorer for Spain's women's national team, into a global symbol in the fight against sexism and macho culture within sports.
