The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has opened disciplinary proceedings against Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales for his behaviour at the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales kissed Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England 1-0 to win the trophy and before that, he was caught on video grabbing his crotch as he celebrated at the final whistle.
The world’s football governing body said it will look at whether Rubiales’ actions constitute violations of article 13 in its disciplinary code, concerning offensive behaviour and fair play.
“FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary. According to the disciplinary code, officials are among those that must comply with the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity,” FIFA said in a statement.
The statement also reads; “disciplinary measures can be brought against anyone violating the basic rules of decent conduct, insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language or behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.”
This comes after Rubiales’ actions have received widespread condemnation and calls for punishment and his resignation have been made by Hermoso’s union Futpro, the Spanish Liga F, Spain’s Prime Minister and his deputy among others.
Rubiales apologised for the kiss in a video on Monday but his apology has been deemed not enough and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has called an urgent extraordinary general assembly for Friday, August 25, believed to address the situation.
