Luis Rubiales’ World Cup kiss triggers FIFA disciplinary proceedings

Rubiales apologized Monday for the kiss on the podium during the post-match ceremony, saying he “made a mistake” and “if there are people who felt offended, I have to say I’m sorry.” , after previously calling critics of the “idiots” gesture.

Rubiales find themselves in an increasingly precarious position with the Real Federación Española de Fútbol meeting set for Friday to deal with negative outcry after Spain’s rousing 1-0 win in the final. Officials expressed outrage, and the country’s acting prime minister called Rubiales’ explanation and half-apology insufficient.

“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture. I think Mr Rubiales’ apology was insufficient. I would say it was not sufficient and Mr. Rubiales should take further steps,” Sanchez said.

Yolanda Diaz, the country’s incumbent second deputy prime minister, demanded the resignation of RubialesHe said he “harassed and assaulted” Hermoso. “Let’s not assume that giving a kiss without consent is something that ‘happens.’ It’s a form of sexual violence that women suffer on a daily basis,” said Irene Montero, Spain’s Minister for Gender Equality. tweeted On Sunday, El País sports editor Nadia Tronchoni called the incident “an aggression.”

On Wednesday, the Spanish footballers’ union called for disciplinary action. “It is important that our team, the reigning world champions, is always represented by figures who share values ​​of equality and respect in all areas,” the Association of Professional Soccer Players (FUTPRO) said in a statement. “The union is committed to ensuring that acts like those we have seen never go unpunished, are sanctioned and appropriate action is taken to protect footballers from acts we deem unacceptable.”

Spain PM says soccer boss’s apology for kissing World Cup is ‘insufficient’

In an Instagram Live video showing Spanish players cheering after the game, Hermoso, the 33-year-old and the country’s top scorer, said she “didn’t like” the unexpected kiss and admitted she didn’t know how she should do so responded, but in a statement attributed to her and released by the Spanish Football Federation, she called it “a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy of winning a World Cup.”

On Wednesday, FUTPRO added a statement attributed to her, saying, “My union, FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency, TMJ, is committed to defending my interests and acting as an interlocutor on this matter.”

In announcing its investigation, FIFA said there were possible violations of the disciplinary code and referred to the first two paragraphs of Article 13, which regulates “objectionable conduct and breaches of the principles of fair play”.

Spain’s victory came after a tumultuous run-up to the tournament, which included a dispute between players and the national association. In September, 15 players emailed the Spanish Football Federation reportedly raising concerns about the team’s management, but Rubiales and the organization stuck by coach Jorge Vilda.