FIFA is opening disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, who publicly kissed Spanish striker Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth. That has the worldwide football association on Thursday announced. FIFA thinks Rubiales has broken rules about “offensive behavior”. It states, among other things, that anyone who “behaves in a way that brings football or FIFA into disrepute” can expect sanctions.
On Sunday, shortly after the Spanish team won the world title, Rubiales grabbed top scorer Hermoso’s head and kissed her mouth. On Instagram, Hermoso said she did not appreciate Rubiales’ action. “But what can I do?” The Spanish Football Federation initially defended Rubiales, but then apologized.
Later, more reports of transgressive behavior by Rubiales came out. He would have asked football director Tamara Ramos what color underwear she was wearing. “I am humiliated,” Ramos told Spanish media. In addition, Rubiales appeared to grab his crotch on video during the World Cup final.
Whether the disciplinary proceedings are only about the kiss, or also about these other issues, is not known. It is also not clear what punishment FIFA is considering and when it will be announced. “FIFA insists that it unreservedly respects the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any conduct that proves otherwise.”
Apologies ‘not enough’
La Liga F, the Spanish football league for women’s teams, calls for Rubiales’ resignation. Spanish football media citing a complaint the organization filed: “It’s not just about the kiss. It is an attitude that is at odds with the values of our society.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also distanced himself from Rubiales. The excuses he gave for the kiss were “not enough,” Sánchez said on Tuesday. Rubiales’ behavior “shows that there is still a long way to go in our country in terms of equality and respect and equal rights”.
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