World football governing body FIFA, the governing body of world football, announced that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), following his actions at the Womens World Cup final. The incident, which saw Rubiales kiss Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the final, has prompted strong reactions and calls for his dismissal.In a statement released on Thursday, FIFA explained that the proceedings were based on the potential violations of specific articles within the FIFA disciplinary code.🚨𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales after the Spanish FA President kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spains Womens World Cup victory. pic.twitter.com/gTC0oBJpbd— EmperorA. (@EmperorAFC) August 24, 2023“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 Womens World Cup on 20 August 2023,” the statement read.“The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” the statement continued, before adding, “FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.”Spanish star Hermoso calls for action against President Rubiales for World Cup kissJenni Hermoso, along with the Spanish players union FUTPRO, released a joint statement calling for action against Rubiales.“We are working to ensure that acts such as those we have seen never go unpunished, that they are sanctioned and that the exemplary measures are adopted to protect women footballers from actions that we believe are unacceptable,” the statement read.Human rights organisation Amnesty International has also offered its support to Hermosos demands for action, writing in a statement, “Amnesty International wants to show their support for the demands of the player, who has asked the [RFEF] to set underway exemplary measures regarding the non-consensual kiss.”“[We] underline that this behaviour is a form of sexual violence like any other, and cannot be justified in any way,” the statement added.The Spanish womens football league, Liga F, has joined the chorus of criticism against Rubiales and has called for his dismissal from his role as RFEF president.In response to the backlash, the RFEF has initiated an internal investigation into Rubiales conduct. An emergency meeting is scheduled for Friday to address the issue.Spanish FA President faces criticism from Spain PM, Spanish managers, footballersLuis Rubiales, who initially defended his actions, later issued an apology. However, criticism of his behaviour persists, and both domestic and international figures have weighed in on the matter.Spains acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has slammed Rubiales actions and his subsequent apology, calling it not adequate.“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture. Rubiales apologies are not enough, I even think they are not adequate. He has to continue taking steps to clarify what we all saw. The players did everything to win but Rubiales behaviour shows that there is still a long way to go for equality,” he said.Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his dissatisfaction with Rubiales behaviour, labelling it as inappropriate for a federation president. “Its a very delicate topic, like most people it was behaviour that I obviously did not like. It was not the behaviour of a president of the federation,” he said during a press conference.Ancelotti refrained from speculating on whether Rubiales should resign, stating that the decision was up to him. “I dont know if he should resign or not, I think he will take the most adequate decision,” he said.Rafa Benitez, the manager of Celta Vigo – who are due to face Real Madrid on Friday – also criticised the action, saying, “The success of the national team is the news and unfortunately its been relegated to the background. We all agree we have seen behaviour which was not correct and the competent authorities are there to take decisions.”Getafe president Angel Torres criticised Rubiales, stating that he should not remain in his position for one minute more.American forward Megan Rapinoe, a prominent womens football player, spoke out against Rubiales actions, describing them as a display of a a deep level of misogyny and sexism.“What kind of upside-down world are we in On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy,” she said.
