The FIFA announced on Thursday the opening of a disciplinary procedure against the president of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales for having forced a kiss on the mouth to the player Jenni Hermoso, after the victory on Sunday in the final of the World Cup.
These facts may constitute violations of Articles 13.1 and 13.2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," said the international federation.
FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect for the integrity of all individuals and therefore condemns with the utmost vigor any behavior to the contrary," the institution said in a statement, specifying that "it will not provide further information on this disciplinary procedure until a final decision is made on it".
The disciplinary committee of the institution based in Zurich will not be able to decide on the continuity of Rubiales at the head of Spanish football, which will meet on Friday in an extraordinary general assembly of the RFEF.
In the television images of the podium at the stadium in Sydney on Sunday, just after Spain's title, Luis Rubiales can be seen holding the head of attacker Jennifer Hermoso with both hands, before unexpectedly kissing her on the mouth.
Since then, criticism has multiplied from all over the world and Rubiales' continued presence in the position seems increasingly difficult.
On Wednesday, the player announced in a statement that she was leaving her defense in the hands of her union, Futpro, which called for "exemplary measures" against Rubiales.
Futpro, for its part, asked the RFEF, chaired by Rubiales, to "protect the rights of our players".
Rubiales, who initially insulted those who criticized him, apologized hours later in a video. "There is a fact that I have to regret and it is what has happened between a player and myself, with a magnificent relationship between both, as well as with others, and where I have surely made a mistake," he said.