Rubiales case

The Rubiales case (Spanish: Caso Rubiales) refers to the fallout, both social and sporting, caused by the conduct of Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), beginning in August 2023. After allegations of inappropriate behavior during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final on 20 August 2023, Rubiales' response was perceived by critics to have exacerbated the situation in the days following the tournament, and to have exacerbated the controversy. After an erratic speech he made on 25 August 2023, the entire Spain women's national football team withdrew from selection and several RFEF staff resigned; Rubiales was soon suspended from all football by FIFA.

There were widespread calls for Rubiales' resignation and structural change in the RFEF, paired with support for Jenni Hermoso – the player he had forcibly kissed on the lips at the final, and whom the RFEF were seen as harassing afterwards – in Spain and from women's football teams around the world. The social movement caused by Rubiales' conduct and continued public denials of wrongdoing is considered Spain's #MeToo movement; it quickly assumed the name #SeAcabó (lit. 'It's over'), from a tweet posted by Alexia Putellas after Rubiales' speech. Previous attempts by players using collective action to force improvements in the conditions of women's football in Spain have been either ignored or given outward but not systemic change.

The general unity of Spanish society in criticising Rubiales – including politicians from across the political spectrum – was considered unprecedented, as was the support of women's football from men's football players and teams. Rubiales subsequently resigned as president on 10 September 2023, later being banned from football-related activities for three years. A criminal complaint relating to alleged coercion is also being investigated.