Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales will reportedly resign after FIFA opened a disciplinary case against him Thursday.
Minutes earlier, Rubiales grabbed his crotch as a victory gesture in the exclusive section of seats with Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year-old Princess Sofía standing nearby. Hermoso has said she did not like the kiss and the national players’ union representing her — which the 46-year-old Rubiales once led — called Wednesday for his conduct to not go unpunished.
"FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behavior to the contrary," the soccer body said without specifying which acts by Rubiales are under investigation. Víctor Francos, Spain’s Secretary of State for sports, said Wednesday that"the gesture of grabbing his testicles in the tribune is a gesture that no one can defend." FIFA gave no timetable for a ruling. The body's disciplinary judges can impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport. The FIFA disciplinary panel is chaired by Colombian lawyer Jorge Palacio, a former labor court judge and member of the state constitutional court. The case likely will be judged by three of the 16 panel members. Three of the 16 are women, from England, Mexico and Thailand. Rubiales is a vice president of UEFA, a role which pays 250,000 euros each year plus expenses, and was the European soccer body's most senior representative at the biggest game in women’s soccer. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has yet to comment on the conduct of Rubiales, who is due to host the European soccer body's next annual congress in Madrid in February. The Spanish soccer federation, which Rubiales has led for five years, has an emergency meeting Friday in Madrid where the agenda allows questions on the controversy. It is unclear if the meeting will shore up support for Rubiales or respond to widespread pressure from Spanish government and soccer officials to remove him.Here's how you can create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow your favorite leagues, teams and players and receive a personalized newsletter in your inbox dailyFrancos said Rubiales has damaged the country’s image as it tries to win support for hosting the World Cup.The Spain-led bid is currently favored over a four-nation South American plan teaming Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and inaugural 1930 World Cup host Uruguay. Despite speculation about a possible bid from Saudi Arabia, the 2034 edition is seen as a more likely goal for the oil-rich kingdom.Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jennifer Hermoso calls on Spanish FA to take action against Luis Rubiales for unwanted kissJennifer Hermoso has broken her silence on the incident between her and Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.
Read more »
Megan Rapinoe slams Spain’s Luis Rubiales for World Cup kiss: ‘Deep level of misogyny’Add Megan Rapinoe to the list of those who were outraged by Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales’ kiss on the lips of Jennifer Hermoso.
Read more »
FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Spanish FA chief RubialesFIFA's Disciplinary Committee has opened disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish FA, following his unsolicited kiss on Women's World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso, the global soccer body said on Thursday.
Read more »
FIFA opens up investigation into Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales after his World Cup kissLuis Rubiales, the Spanish soccer federation president who came under fire for his unsolicited kiss of midfielder Jenni Hermoso after the Women's World Cup final, will be investigated by FIFA for his actions.
Read more »
FIFA opens up investigation into Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales after his World Cup kissLuis Rubiales, the Spanish soccer federation president who came under fire for his unsolicited kiss of midfielder Jenni Hermoso after the Women's World Cup final, will be investigated by FIFA for his actions.
Read more »
FIFA Opens Disciplinary Case Against Soccer Official Who Kissed World Cup PlayerThe international soccer association Luis Rubiales that his actions may violate rules against offensive behavior.
Read more »