Real Madrid, Barcelona UCL participation in doubt due to Luis Rubiales kiss row

Spanish clubs' participation in European competition this season could be in jeopardy because of the high-profile kissing saga involving Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

RFEF Secretary-General has reportedly asked UEFA to suspend Spanish teams from European competition in a bid to protect Rubiales from alleged government interference in the matters of the federation.

Rubiales has received almost universal condemnation after he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England on 20th August.

The 46-year-old refused to step down from his role following a meeting on Friday, claiming he was a victim of a witch-hunt. On Saturday, FIFA suspended Rubiales for 90 days, but UEFA is yet to act on the row.

Hermoso released a statement saying she did not consent to be kissed by Rubiales and felt "vulnerable."

Could Real Madrid and Barcelona miss the UCL?

In Spain, Onda Cero reported that RFEF Secretary General Andreu Camps has reportedly asked UEFA to protect Rubiales from government interference.

UEFA statutes are against government intervention in the affairs of the football federation. According to 90min, UEFA could suspend their membership because of government interference.

If that happens, Spanish clubs in the UEFA competition will be expelled. The men's national team's participation in the Euro 2024 qualifiers will also be revoked.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid will miss the Champions League, Villarreal and Real Betis will not take part in the Europa League while Osasuna will be expelled from the Europa Conference League.

Spanish women's teams will also not take part in European competitions as a result.