FIFA has announced that its disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales.
Rubiales is under fire for kissing Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony following Spain’s win over England in Sunday’s World Cup final.
A statement from FIFA issued on Thursday read:
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 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on 20 August 2023.
The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter.
Hermoso released a statement on Wednesday saying that FUTPRO, the Spanish players’ union, would be representing her in the matter.
FUTPRO would then declare that it was demanding action on behalf of Hermoso, saying: “From our association we ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players are upheld and adopt exemplary measures.”
The pressure on Rubiales has been gradually intensifying since the incident, with Spain’s acting prime minister Pedro Sánchez saying this week that an apology from Rubiales “wasn’t sufficient.”
Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atlético Madrid, said on Thursday that Rubiales should step down, making Atlético the fourth La Liga club to call for the resignation of the federation president.
The Spanish federation has said it will hold an emergency Extraordinary General Assembly on Friday to discuss the issue with Rubiales.
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