FIFA Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings Against Spanish Football Federation President for Post-World Cup Final Kiss

In a surprising turn of events, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), following his controversial on-field kiss with Spain star Jenni Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final last weekend.

The global football governing body stated in a press release, “The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final.”

The incident has sparked debate over its appropriateness and implications, as FIFA cited potential violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA disciplinary code. Spain’s women’s football league, Liga F, has also called for Rubiales’ resignation in the wake of the incident.

Jenni Hermoso and the union Futpro released a joint statement on Wednesday, expressing their desire for strong action to be taken against the RFEF president. The statement conveyed their determination to ensure that such acts are not tolerated and that measures are put in place to protect women footballers from such behavior.

Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, lent their support to Hermoso, echoing her demands for accountability and stating, “Amnesty International wants to show their support for the demands of the player, who has asked the (RFEF) to set underway ‘exemplary measures’ regarding the non-consensual kiss.” The organization emphasized that such behavior constitutes a form of sexual violence and cannot be justified.

The RFEF itself has initiated an investigation into Rubiales’ actions and is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the matter on Friday. The incident has drawn significant attention and criticism, even from within the football community.

Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned Italian coach, expressed his discomfort with the incident during a news conference. He stated, “It’s a very delicate topic, like most people it was behavior that I obviously did not like. It was not the behavior of a president of the federation.” Ancelotti refrained from further comment on the issue, acknowledging that the decision on Rubiales’ future lies with the president himself.

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Megan Rapinoe, a prominent American forward and a leading figure in women’s football, strongly criticized Rubiales’ actions in an interview with The Atlantic. She remarked, “What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy.” Rapinoe characterized the incident as reflective of “a deep level of misogyny and sexism.”

As the investigation unfolds and discussions continue, the football community remains divided over the significance and consequences of Rubiales’ actions. The ongoing discourse highlights the need for accountability, respect, and the protection of athletes in all facets of the sport.