Soccer's governing body launches investigation into Rubiales, who kissed a player on the lips following the Women's World Cup final victory.
FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against a Spanish soccer official for his behavior during the celebration of his country's triumph in the Women's World Cup final.
Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medal presentation on Sunday following Spain's 1-0 win over England in Sydney, Australia.
Moments before, Rubiales had made a gesture towards his groin while situated in the VIP seating area, in close proximity to Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year-old Princess Sofía.
The disciplinary committee of the global football governing body announced on Thursday that it will assess whether the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation violated its code pertaining to "fundamental principles of proper behavior" and "actions that could bring the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute."
"FIFA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of all individuals and unequivocally condemns any conduct to the contrary," the football organization stated, refraining from specifying the exact actions by Rubiales that are subject to investigation.
Hermoso has expressed her discomfort with the kiss, and the national players' union, which the 46-year-old Rubiales formerly headed, urged on Wednesday that his behavior should not escape consequences.
Víctor Francos, Spain's Secretary of State for Sports, also stated on Wednesday, "The action of grabbing his crotch in the stands is an action that no one can justify."
Urgent Convening
FIFA has not specified a timeline for a verdict. The disciplinary board possesses the authority to mete out penalties on individuals, encompassing measures such as cautions, financial penalties, or even sport-related suspensions. The adjudicative panel is led by Jorge Palacio, a Colombian legal practitioner who previously served as a labor court magistrate and held a position on Colombia's Constitutional Court. It's probable that the case will be evaluated by a trio of the panel's 16 constituents. Among these members, three are women hailing from England, Mexico, and Thailand.
Rubiales serves as a vice president of UEFA, a position that yields an annual salary of 250,000 euros ($270,000) in addition to expenses. He also held the most prominent position within the European football organization at the grandest event in women's football. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has not yet provided any commentary regarding Rubiales' behavior. Notably, Rubiales is scheduled to host UEFA's forthcoming annual congress in Madrid come February.
The Spanish Football Federation, helmed by Rubiales for the past five years, is set to convene an emergency meeting in Madrid on Friday. It remains uncertain whether the meeting will aim to consolidate support for Rubiales or address the mounting pressure coming from both Spanish governmental figures and football officials, advocating for his removal. Rubiales, who previously held an eight-year tenure as the head of the Spanish players' union before assuming the presidency of the federation in 2018, is presently leading the UEFA-backed bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This joint bid includes Spain, neighboring Portugal, Morocco, and potentially Ukraine. Francos commented that Rubiales' actions have tarnished Spain's reputation as it seeks backing for its bid. FIFA initially postponed the launch of the bid contest for the 2030 World Cup in June, with a decision expected in the later part of next year. As of now, the Spain-led bid holds a favorable position compared to a four-nation proposal from South America, presented by Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay – the host of the inaugural 1930 World Cup. Despite speculation regarding a potential bid from Saudi Arabia, the 2034 edition appears to be a more realistic target for the kingdom.
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