The former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, made headlines when he launched his own NFT (Non-Fungible Token) on Wednesday. This move comes at a time when Rubiales is facing serious allegations of sexual assault and coercion in a Madrid court. The charges stem from his conduct following the Women’s World Cup final last August, where he was accused of non-consensual behavior, including a forced kiss on Spain forward Jenni Hermoso. An investigating judge is currently reviewing evidence from various sources to determine if the case will go to trial.
Questionable Intentions Behind the NFT
Despite the ongoing legal troubles, Rubiales stated on social media that the NFT launch was meant to “support real equality.” He shared a statement from a South Korean company, The Moon Labs, claiming that they had created a digital campaign environment to honor Rubiales for his contributions to Spanish and global football. This move was met with skepticism as Rubiales tried to portray the NFT project as a way to combat “radicalism or media manipulations.”
Controversial Image and Lack of Sales
The NFT itself featured an image of Rubiales as a child holding a football, symbolizing his early years in the sport. However, the description highlighting Rubiales’ cheerful personality seemed out of touch with the serious allegations he is facing. Despite the release of 40 NFTs on the online marketplace OpenSea, none had been sold at the time of writing. This lack of interest could be attributed to the tarnished reputation of Rubiales and the dubious intentions behind the NFT project.
Rubiales sparked international outrage when he kissed Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s World Cup victory. The incident led to his eventual resignation as RFEF president in September and a subsequent ban by FIFA from all football-related activities for three years. Hermoso’s formal complaint with the police initiated the criminal investigation in Madrid, with Rubiales steadfastly denying the charges against him.
In addition to the allegations against Rubiales, former Spain manager Jorge Vilda, now coaching Morocco, was accused of controlling behavior during his time in charge of the national team. Hermoso’s public statement about the kiss and its aftermath shed light on the emotional toll it had taken on her, describing it as “one of the worst things” she had experienced. The ripple effects of Rubiales’ actions continue to impact those involved in the incident.
The controversial NFT launch by Luis Rubiales amid serious legal troubles has raised questions about his intentions and the impact of his actions. The lack of sales and the international backlash highlight the repercussions of his behavior, both personally and professionally. As the legal process unfolds, the football community will be watching closely to see how this scandal unfolds.
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