Luis Rubiales: Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Spanish football federation president
The governing body of world football has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, due to his conduct during the Women’s World Cup final.
Following Spain’s victory over England, Rubiales kissed Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips and, earlier, he appeared to grab his crotch during his celebration at the end of the match.
FIFA will assess whether these actions violate Article 13 of its disciplinary code, which pertains to offensive behaviour and fair play. In a statement, FIFA expressed its steadfast commitment to upholding the dignity of all individuals and strongly denounced any behaviour to the contrary.
According to the disciplinary code, officials, like Rubiales, are expected to adhere to the principles of fair play, loyalty, and integrity. The code stipulates that disciplinary measures can be taken against those who breach the fundamental norms of respectable conduct, use offensive gestures or language to insult individuals or engage in actions that tarnish the reputation of football or FIFA.
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Rubiales’ actions took place in the VIP area of Stadium Australia, where he was in close proximity to Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter. He then proceeded to kiss Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation ceremony.
Rubiales issued an apology for the kiss on the subsequent Monday. However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez deemed the apology insufficient, and second deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz echoed the call for Rubiales’ resignation.
Futpro, a union representing Hermoso, asserted that there should be consequences for the incident. Although the 33-year-old player initially expressed her displeasure with Rubiales’ actions on Instagram, a subsequent statement released on her behalf defended his behaviour.
In response to the situation, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has scheduled an extraordinary general assembly to take place urgently on Friday.