Aug 25 – FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken steps to launch disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, the President of the Spanish Football Association (FA), in response to a recent incident involving an unsolicited kiss on Women’s World Cup victor Jenni Hermoso. The global football governing body made this announcement on Thursday.
The incident in question transpired as Rubiales was presenting gold medals to the triumphant players following their 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday. This action sparked considerable outrage both within Spain and internationally, prompting Hermoso to assert that such conduct should “never go unpunished.”
In an official statement, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee notified Luis Rubiales of its intent to initiate disciplinary proceedings. The events under scrutiny could potentially infringe upon article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Article 13 of the code specifically addresses “offensive behavior” exhibited by players and officials, particularly focusing on actions that “violate the fundamental principles of fair play” and “cast the sport into disrepute.”
Rubiales initially responded to his critics by labeling them as “idiots.” However, he subsequently issued a video apology late on Monday. Despite his efforts to address the situation, the controversy surrounding the incident persisted.
Acting Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz unequivocally called for Rubiales’ resignation, asserting that his actions undoubtedly constituted an attack on a woman.
Spain’s women’s football league, Liga F, went a step further by demanding Rubiales’ dismissal. They also reported that they had lodged a complaint with the president of the National Sports Council (CSD) regarding his “egregious actions and conduct.”
Jenni Hermoso, who publicly expressed her discomfort with Rubiales’ kiss, reaffirmed her stance on the matter. She disclosed that her union, FUTPRO, and her agency, TMJ, were actively advocating for her interests.
Hermoso stated, “We are diligently working to ensure that such acts never go unpunished. We firmly believe that these actions should be met with appropriate sanctions and that decisive measures are instituted to safeguard female footballers from actions that we deem unacceptable.”
The ongoing incident has cast a spotlight on the importance of maintaining respectful conduct within the realm of sports leadership and interactions. FIFA’s decision to address this matter underscores the organization’s commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and integrity in football.
