Former RFEF President Luis Rubiales Ventures into NFTs Amid Scandal
In a stunning turn of events, Luis Rubiales, the embattled former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has ventured into the world of blockchain art. Rubiales, who resigned in September 2023 amid a scandal involving a non-consensual kiss with Spain player Jenni Hermoso, has launched a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collection. This move comes after FIFA banned Rubiales from all football activities for three years in October 2023.
From Controversy to Cryptocurrency
Created by South Korean firm, The Moon Labs, the NFT collection features 170 items and is available on OpenSea, a prominent digital collectibles marketplace. The collection narrates Rubiales’ professional journey as an athlete, interwoven with motifs from his childhood. It’s a risky move by The Moon Labs, considering Rubiales’ recent controversies, but the company remains steadfast in believing the project’s potential for promoting ‘real equality’.
Art and Redemption
One of the intriguing aspects of the NFT collection is its depiction of Rubiales as a child. The aim, according to the creators, is to humanize Rubiales, presenting a side of his story that goes beyond the recent scandal. The collection also offers 10% royalties from sales to the creator, providing a financial incentive for Rubiales amidst his ongoing legal challenges.
A New Chapter?
The launch of the NFT collection signals the start of a new chapter in Rubiales’ life. With his football career curtailed by the ban, Rubiales seems to be exploring other avenues for personal and professional growth. Whether this venture will influence public opinion about him or impact his legal proceedings remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it’s a bold step for Rubiales, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered a traditional path for a former sports executive.