FIFA Launches Investigation on Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales Following Controversial Jenni Hermoso Kiss

The president of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales, is being investigated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for kissing Jenni Hermoso following Spain's Women's World Cup victory on Sunday. FIFA has released a statement condemning such behavior and reiterating its commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals.

During the medal ceremony in Sydney, Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), planted a kiss on the lips of the forward after their team's 1-0 victory over England. Initially, Hermoso expressed her dislike of the kiss on social media, but later, a statement released by the RFEF on her behalf described it as a "spontaneous" act.

Rubiales, who initially referred to his critics as "idiots," apologized on Monday. However, he continues to face demands for his resignation, as Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez deemed the apology "insufficient."

In a joint statement released on Wednesday by her union and agency, Hermoso stated: "FUTPRO, my union, along with TMJ, my agency, are diligently protecting my interests and serving as the intermediaries in this matter."

We are committed to ensuring that such acts are never left unpunished, and that appropriate measures are taken to protect female footballers from what we deem as unacceptable behavior. FIFPRO subsequently expressed support for Hermoso and appealed to FIFA to initiate an investigation into Rubiales.

The union's statement expressed disappointment that such a significant moment for the players of the Spain national team, witnessed by a global television audience, was marred by the inappropriate behavior of an individual in a position of great responsibility.

Unwanted and unwarranted physical contact with players is never acceptable, regardless of the circumstances. This behavior becomes even more unacceptable when it is perpetrated by someone who holds a position of authority over them in their professional environment.

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Rubiales has been president of the RFEF since May 2018

FUTPRO will meet next Monday with Spain's second deputy leader Yolanda Diaz to ensure the actions of Rubiales are "duly sanctioned".

The RFEF scheduled an extraordinary meeting of its general assembly on Friday, announcing that internal proceedings were initiated regarding integrity issues stemming from the trophy ceremony. Liga F, Spain's women's football league, demanded the dismissal of Rubiales and filed a complaint with the president of the National Sports Council (CSD) regarding his highly concerning actions and behavior.

Rapinoe: Rubiales kiss shows misogyny and sexism in Spanish FA

Rapinoe, who represented the United States in the World Cup, expressed her concerns about the misogyny and sexism prevalent in the federation and its president, Rubiales. She referred to a photograph taken at the final whistle where Rubiales is seen grabbing his crotch, stating that this act reflects a disturbing level of disrespect towards women. Rapinoe questioned the state of our world when such behavior occurs on the grandest stage of all, emphasizing the need to address and condemn such instances of physical assault.

Fifteen players from Spain had a disagreement with the federation before the finals due to concerns over the coaching techniques of Jorge Vilda. Despite this, the RFEF remained firm and stated that these players would only be allowed back into the national team if they acknowledged their mistake and apologized.

Rapinoe observed the immense burden carried by the Spanish team, considering that some players who demonstrated their skill last year are currently absent from the squad. Perhaps this served as a unifying force, but ideally, such circumstances should not be necessary.

Rubiales said on Monday the kiss happened "in a spontaneous way" and "without bad intention" but said it "seems like it has caused a commotion".

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Megan Rapinoe played for USA in the Women's World Cup

Hermoso initially expressed her dislike for the kiss on social media. However, a statement released on her behalf by the RFEF later described it as a "spontaneous" act. Both FIFA and UEFA, of which Rubiales serves as an executive committee member and vice-president, have not yet commented on the situation.

The behavior of Rubiales has been criticized by FIFPRO, the world players' union, who described it as "highly regrettable." They emphasized that physical gestures towards players, without their consent, are inappropriate and unacceptable in any situation.

The situation becomes even more concerning when players are made vulnerable due to the power dynamics involved in such physical approaches or gestures.

How Spain reacted to the incident

A much stronger response was voiced by Irene Montero, the equality minister of the Spanish government.

"It is a form of sexual violence that women endure every day, remaining largely unseen until now, and that we must not accept as the norm," stated Ms. Montero on Sunday through X, the rebranded social media platform formerly referred to as Twitter.

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Spain's head coach Jorge Vilda celebrates with Rubiales

Spanish football expert Semra Hunter discussed the incident with We News, stating that the reaction in Spain has been divided. Some individuals believe that the incident was insignificant, attributing it to both parties getting carried away in the moment and defending the person involved. On the other hand, there are others who question the individual's actions and thoughts, deeming them highly inappropriate.

She attempted to minimize the situation in the public eye, asserting that their relationship was strong and that he had been supportive of the girls throughout the tournament. She emphasized his good behavior and claimed that there was no further significance to it.

However, on social media, she expressed her dislike for the situation. It seems that her true feelings about it are not entirely clear.

If she genuinely feels uneasy, we must address the underlying issue of why she is unable to express her concerns openly and honestly.

The responses to this situation differ greatly, with some downplaying its significance while others are utterly appalled by what they witnessed and are calling for the resignation of the Spanish FA president.