Consequences of Controversial Kiss; FIFA to Open Disciplinary Case Against Spanish Football Federation President

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has opened a case against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, for kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso. According to Reuters, Luis Rubiales unexpectedly kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips while presenting gold medals to the Spanish players after Spain's victory over England and winning the Women's World Cup. This incident has received widespread global attention and faced significant criticism both inside and outside Spain. Jenni Hermoso has stated that such actions should 'never go unpunished.' On Thursday, August 24, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee informed Luis Rubiales that a disciplinary case would be opened against him based on the incident that occurred during the Women's World Cup final. The kiss and inappropriate behavior of Luis Rubiales may violate the first and second clauses of Article 13 of FIFA's disciplinary code, which refers to 'offensive behavior' by players and officials, especially 'violating principles of proper ethics' and 'conduct that brings the sport into disrepute.' Luis Rubiales, who initially called his critics 'fools,' issued an apology via a video message on Monday, August 21, but criticism against him continues. Following criticism from the Prime Minister of Spain, Yolanda Díaz, the second deputy prime minister of the country, also called for Luis Rubiales' resignation, stating that he 'has undoubtedly assaulted a woman.' The Spanish Women's Football League, Liga F, has called for Luis Rubiales' removal and stated that it has filed a complaint against him with the President of the National Sports Council due to 'very serious actions and behavior.' After the kiss, Jenni Hermoso told her teammates in the locker room that she 'did not like' the action. This Spanish star said on Wednesday, August 23, that the players' union and the sports agency managing her will pursue the case. Ms. Hermoso stated, 'We are working to ensure that actions like what we have seen never go unpunished.' She emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and called for greater protection for female footballers against 'misconduct.' Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, faced various controversies even before the start of the World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, with several players strongly criticizing the performance of the country's football federation. Spain, one of the best teams in this tournament, reached the final and became the Women's World Cup champion for the first time.