Family Feud Turns Violent at Madrid Book Event
In a shocking display of family discord, the uncle of former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales launched an egg attack on his nephew during a book presentation in Madrid. The astonishing assault occurred as Rubiales was promoting his new memoir Matar a Rubiales (Killing Rubiales), with his uncle Luis Ruben Rubiales identified as the assailant.
The 48-year-old disgraced football chief, convicted of sexually assaulting Spanish international player Jenni Hermoso with his infamous kiss during the August 2023 Women's World Cup celebrations, had to be restrained by security after charging toward his attacker. Social media footage captured the dramatic moment when at least three eggs were hurled at Rubiales, with one striking his jacket and another hitting his hand as he attempted to deflect the projectiles.
"Deranged" Uncle Shows No Remorse
Following the incident, Luis Ruben Rubiales appeared remarkably unrepentant when interviewed for Telecinco's programme El tiempo justo. The actor, who reportedly lives with his 90-year-old grandmother in the Costa Tropical resort of Motril, declared: "I'm very well, it's as if I've just returned from a 15-day vacation in Benidorm and I have that energy. I have positive energy."
When informed that his nephew had chosen not to file a formal complaint about the attack, the uncle responded dismissively: "Why would he sue me?" He further revealed that he had planned to enhance his protest by also throwing breadcrumbs alongside the eggs.
Rubiales later described his uncle as "a deranged person who can't be okay" and expressed hope that measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents. Spanish police confirmed the suspect's arrest for criminal damage, primarily because a screen behind Rubiales was broken during the altercation.
Deep-Rooted Family Conflict
The egg-throwing incident appears rooted in longstanding family tensions. Luis Ruben Rubiales is the younger brother of Juan Rubiales, another uncle who has become the former football chief's sworn enemy. Juan claims his nephew fired him from his position at the football federation in 2020, sparking a family conflict that may have contributed to Thursday's attack.
Juan Rubiales has previously voiced strong criticism of his nephew, stating: "Luis needs a social re-education programme and a re-education in his relationship with women." He has characterised the former FA president as a man "obsessed with power, luxury, money and women."
The assailant shouted "Sinverguenza" - translating to "sleazebag" in English - during the egg-throwing protest, along with the reassurance "Don't worry, nothing's up" before launching his attack.
Background of World Cup Kiss Scandal
The context for this family drama stems from Rubiales' conviction for sexual assault following his unsolicited kiss on Spanish international Jenni Hermoso during the Women's World Cup medal ceremony. The incident, broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide, led to his resignation as Spanish FA president in September 2023.
Despite being acquitted of coercion charges, Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault in a February trial in Madrid and received a fine of £8,395 (10,800 euros). The court also banned him from approaching within 200 metres of Hermoso, who testified that the kiss had "tainted one of the happiest days of her life."
Rubiales is currently appealing his conviction with Spain's Supreme Court, maintaining that Hermoso consented to the kiss despite her consistent denials.
Controversial Book Claims
In his 506-page memoir, Rubiales portrays himself as the victim of what he calls "the greatest conspiracy Spanish football has ever seen". The book, priced at just over £20, criticises the Spanish government, "armchair feminists" and "wokeness" while alleging an unprecedented campaign against him.
Publishers Ultima Linea summarised the book's claims in an online synopsis, stating it reveals "the names and interests of the 'old aristocracy' allied with certain ministries, the interests of the government itself, armchair feminism, and the woke world" who allegedly orchestrated his "civil assassination."
The former football chief is scheduled to present his controversial book in several cities including his hometown of Motril and Granada, where he spends considerable time.
Family Dynamics and Previous Protests
This isn't the first time Rubiales' family has made headlines in connection with his scandal. His mother, Angeles Bejar, staged a two-day hunger strike in a church in Motril at the end of August 2023, requiring hospitalisation after 48 hours. She claimed her drastic action aimed to pressure Jenni Hermoso to "tell the truth" about the kiss.
Luis Ruben Rubiales, who is actually a month younger than his nephew, is the former brother-in-law of Rubiales' mother. Recent social media posts show the uncle frequently wearing the same headphones he had on during the egg attack, though he had shaved off the beard visible in summer photos.
As Rubiales continues his book tour and legal appeals, this very public family conflict adds another layer of controversy to one of Spanish football's most notorious scandals.
