FIFA has taken action against Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for kissing Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the Women’s World Cup final. In a statement, FIFA confirmed that it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales based on the events that occurred during the final. The governing body of world football cited potential violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA disciplinary code.
Following the incident, Hermoso and the union organization Futpro released a joint statement, calling for appropriate action against Rubiales. The statement emphasized the need to ensure that such acts are not overlooked and emphasized the importance of sanctions and measures to protect women footballers. Support came from the Spain’s women’s football league, Liga F, which echoed the call for Rubiales to be dismissed.
Rubiales initially defended his actions but eventually issued an apology. However, the criticism of his behavior persists. FIFA’s decision to initiate discipliary proceedings signifies the significance of addressing such incidents and upholding the dignity and respect towards women footballers.