Luis Rubiales faces criticism for his behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. Image credit: Deportebalear via Flickr
Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales allegedly plans to resign after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against him for his behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney.
Rubiales kissed Spanish forward Jennifer “Jenni” Hermoso during the presentation ceremony after Spain won against England on Sunday.
Video footage caught him grab Hermoso’s head and kiss her on the lips.
He was also seen grabbing his crotch as he celebrated Spain’s win at the final whistle.
Rubiales has faced worldwide criticism for the incident.
Former Socceroos player Craig Foster described it as “horrific”.
“Women in sport are daily subject to an extreme power differential, objectification, harassment, sexual abuse and an absence of agency and power,” Foster posted to X (formerly Twitter).
In a press conference, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez said it was an “unacceptable gesture”.
Speaking on Instagram Live, Hermoso said she “didn’t like it” when asked about the kiss.
Rubiales apologised and claimed it was “natural and normal” without any “ill intention”.
“Certainly I made a mistake and I have to acknowledge that,” he said in the video posted to social media.
Hermoso later said in a statement released by the Spanish Federation, “The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.”
However, it is believed that the statement was released without her consent.
A Spanish news outlet reports to have sources that claim the statement was written by the Federation’s communication department, not Hermoso.
Hermoso has since released a statement via her union, FUTPRO, who are “defending her interests” and calling the Spanish Football Federation to take action.
On Thursday, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee opened disciplinary proceedings against the football president for his actions during the final.
“The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” FIFA wrote in a statement.
Article 13 of the Code covers offensive behaviour and infringements of the principles of fair play.
According to reports in Spain, Rubiales plans to announce his resignation from his position on Friday morning (local time) and has already informed his close colleagues of the decision.
