The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has taken action against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Association, after his controversial kiss directed at Women’s World Cup victor Jenni Hermoso. The global football governing body announced this development on Thursday, shedding light on the incident that transpired during the post-match ceremony where Rubiales presented the players with their gold medals. The ceremony followed their triumphant 1-0 victory over England in the tournament final on Sunday.

This incident sparked outrage not only within Spain but also internationally. Jenni Hermoso, the recipient of the unsolicited kiss, conveyed her firm belief that acts of this nature should never go unpunished, highlighting the importance of addressing such behavior.

Unveiling the Disciplinary Proceedings

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee officially informed Luis Rubiales of the commencement of disciplinary proceedings against him. The decision is rooted in the occurrences that took place during the climactic match of the Women’s World Cup. In an official statement, the committee outlined that the events in question might potentially infringe upon the stipulations outlined in Article 13, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Article 13 of the code is designed to address instances of “offensive behavior” exhibited by players and officials. It particularly underscores violations of the fundamental principles of decency and actions that tarnish the reputation of the sport. This provision aims to ensure that all individuals associated with football uphold a high standard of conduct.

Rubiales’ Response and Ongoing Uproar

Luis Rubiales initially responded to his critics by labeling them as “idiots.” However, as public outrage continued to intensify, he issued a video apology on the subsequent Monday. Regrettably, the apology failed to quell the growing discontent and outcry surrounding the incident.

Yolanda Diaz, the Acting Second Deputy Prime Minister, explicitly called for Rubiales’ resignation. She asserted that his actions left no room for doubt and amounted to an attack on a woman. The incident ignited a broader conversation about gender dynamics and respect within the football community.

Calls for Action and Accountability

The incident prompted Spain’s women’s football league, Liga F, to demand Rubiales’ dismissal. The league further revealed that it had lodged a formal complaint with the president of the National Sports Council (CSD) regarding Rubiales’ “very serious actions and behavior.” The league’s stance underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity to address it promptly and appropriately.

Jenni Hermoso, the central figure in this incident, expressed her feelings of discomfort regarding Rubiales’ kiss immediately after the final match. Subsequently, she emphasized that her union, FUTPRO, and her agency, TMJ, are actively advocating for her rights and interests. Hermoso stressed the importance of ensuring that such incidents do not go unpunished, advocating for sanctions against such behavior. She also called for the implementation of measures that safeguard women footballers from actions that she and her supporters deem unacceptable.

(This story has not been edited by Smartkhabrinews staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Reuters)