The world football association Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish association president Luis Rubiales. “Fifa reaffirms its unreserved commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and therefore strongly condemns any behavior to the contrary,” said the world association on Thursday. No further information would be given until the “final decision”.
Rubiales kissed the player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth at the award ceremony after winning the World Cup final last Sunday. The Fifa Disciplinary Committee is investigating a violation of Article 13 of its own regulations, which is headed “Offensive behavior and breaches of the principles of fair play”. Rubiales is Vice President of the European Football Union Uefa.
The behavior of the 46-year-old had triggered great criticism and outrage. “What we have seen is unacceptable,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The Spanish federation called an extraordinary general assembly for this Friday. Rubiales had – with a delay – admitted a mistake on Monday. He kissed Hermoso on the mouth “spontaneously” and “without any bad intentions or bad will”.
The Spanish players’ union FutPro had previously called for “exemplary measures”. Such actions should “never go unpunished,” according to a communiqué, which also includes a direct statement by Hermoso. “My union FutPro, in coordination with my agency TMJ, takes care of the defense of my interests and is the interlocutor in this matter,” the 33-year-old offensive player was quoted as saying by the union on Wednesday evening.
