FIFA Initiates Disciplinary Proceedings Against Rubiales for World Cup Kiss Incident

“FIFA’s disciplinary committee has informed Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Association, that it has initiated disciplinary proceedings against him following the events that took place during the final,” stated the governing body of world football.

FIFA mentioned that the incident “may potentially breach article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA disciplinary code”.

Spanish football star Hermoso and the union Futpro released a joint statement on Wednesday, demanding action against the president of RFEF.

“We are committed to ensuring that such acts, as witnessed, do not go unpunished and that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard women footballers from actions that we consider unacceptable,” their statement conveyed.

Amnesty International, a human rights organization, expressed its support for Hermoso’s stance on Thursday.

“Amnesty International wants to express their solidarity with the player’s request to initiate ‘exemplary measures’ within the (RFEF) regarding the non-consensual kiss,” the organization stated.

“[We] emphasize that such behavior constitutes a form of sexual violence, much like any other, and cannot be justified in any manner.”

Liga F, Spain’s women’s football league, has also called for Rubiales to step down. The RFEF has launched an investigation into Rubiales’ actions and has scheduled an emergency meeting for Friday.

Rubiales, aged 46, initially defended himself against critics and later issued an apology. However, the condemnation of his behavior has not waned. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez previously stated that Rubiales’ apology for the incident was “insufficient”.