Madrid – Luis Rubiales, the disgraced former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was pelted with eggs during the launch of his new book, "Matar a Rubiales" ("Killing Rubiales"), in Madrid on Thursday. The attacker has been identified by Rubiales himself as his uncle, Luis Ruben Rubiales.

The incident occurred while Rubiales was presenting his book at the Espacio Eventize media room. Footage circulating on social media shows at least three eggs being thrown at Rubiales, one striking him on the back of his jacket and another hitting his hand as he attempted to deflect it. Rubiales reportedly jumped up and moved toward the attacker but was restrained by security and other attendees. The attacker was apprehended by the National Police outside the building.

Speaking to Radio MARCA, Rubiales identified the assailant as his "blood uncle" and described him as a "troublemaker" within the family. He also stated that he initially feared the man was armed. "It was my uncle, my blood uncle, who is a troublemaker and always has been," Rubiales said. "He came in with some eggs and threw them at me, but I didn't know what he had in his hands, and when I saw him burst in, I thought he was carrying a gun". He later added that he doesn't care about getting egged, as there would be people in Spain who would throw flowers at him.

According to reports, the uncle, identified as Luis Rubén, lives with his grandmother and has harbored resentment since the Jenni Hermoso controversy. He reportedly blames Rubiales for causing divisions within the family, which reached a breaking point at the book launch.

The book launch comes at a tumultuous time for Rubiales, who is serving a three-year ban from all football-related activities imposed by FIFA following his forced kiss on Spanish player Jenni Hermoso after Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup in August 2023. The kiss, which Rubiales has insisted was consensual, led to widespread condemnation and triggered national conversations about sexism and women's rights in Spain.

Rubiales was also found guilty of sexual assault by Spain's High Court in February for the non-consensual kiss. He was fined more than 10,000 euros and prohibited from contacting Hermoso. He maintains his innocence and his legal team is planning to appeal the conviction at the supreme court.

Despite the egg-throwing incident, Rubiales stated he was "feeling strong and very good" and "delighted" with the response his book has received. He added, "It shows that people are beginning to disbelieve fake news," referring to the 'Kissgate' scandal. He also claimed he was the victim of a "sudden far-left movement".

The incident highlights the deep divisions and lingering tensions surrounding Rubiales in Spain, even within his own family. While the book, "Matar a Rubiales," is intended to present his side of the story, the chaotic launch suggests that his version of events continues to be met with strong opposition.