The chairman of the supervisory board of FC St. Pauli sharply criticized Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for his statements in the case of the Spanish football association boss Luis Rubiales. Rummenigge’s statements are “devastating,” Sandra Schwedler told Deutschlandfunk.
After winning the World Cup final, Rubiales kissed the player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth without being asked. Rummenigge had expressed understanding for Rubiales’ behavior: “When you become world champion, you are emotional. And what he did there is – sorry, with all due respect – absolutely okay.” In football, emotionality is important, one should “leave the church in the village,” said Rummenigge.
The statements made by the member of the supervisory board of FC Bayern Munich would show “how dramatic the situation is, not having the ability to reflect at this point,” said Schwedler. Rummenigge was “not at all aware of this demonstration of power and these power structures in football”. Schwedler perceives “that of course men have shaped this sport for years and have thus specified how something should be”.
The disciplinary committee of the world football association FIFA had suspended Rubiales. The suspension is provisional for 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings launched by FIFA on Thursday.