- RFEF President Luis Rubiales to Resign
- Fifa Disciplinary Proceedings Over Conduct
- Potential Successors and Ramifications
The president of Spain’s football federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, intends to resign on Friday after becoming the subject of Fifa disciplinary proceedings for his conduct at Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final in Sydney.
Cadena Ser, a Spanish radio station, reported on Thursday that Rubiales will lose his position due to the heavy criticism he received for kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation. He also grabbed his crotch while standing near Spain’s Queen Letizia and her adolescent daughter, Sofia, while celebrating his country’s 1-0 victory over England.
“The Fifa disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish FA, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on events that occurred during the final of the Fifa Women’s World Cup on 20 August 2023,” the world governing body of football announced on Thursday.
“The occurrences may violate Article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The Fifa disciplinary committee will not provide any additional information regarding these disciplinary proceedings until it has rendered a final decision.
“Fifa reaffirms its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of every individual and condemns vehemently any conduct to the contrary.”
The sections of the disciplinary code cited in the statement address “offensive conduct and violations of the principles of fair play.” The code provides examples of conduct that could result in disciplinary action, such as “insulting a natural or legal person in any way, particularly by using offensive gestures, signs, or language” and “behaving in a manner that brings football and/or Fifa into disrepute.”
Regional leaders of the RFEF gathered in Madrid for a crisis meeting to debate Rubiales’s future and potential successors. According to rumors, Pedro Rocha, president of the Extremadura Football Federation, and Pablo Lozano, president of the Andalusia Football Federation, are the frontrunners to succeed Rubiales.
On Monday, Rubiales apologised for kissing Hermoso in a video, which Pedro Sánchez called “insufficient”. In response to the matter, the Spanish FA has also called an extraordinary general assembly for Friday and confirmed it has initiated internal proceedings.
Fifpro, the global players’ union, urged Fifa to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Wednesday.
On the same evening as Fifpro’s statement, the Futpro union in Spain, which Hermoso says represents her interests in this matter, issued a “strong and resounding condemnation” of conduct “which violates the dignity of women.”
Futpro stated, “From our association, we request that the Spanish FA implement the necessary protocols, protect the rights of our players, and adopt exemplary measures.” “It is crucial that our team, the reigning world champions, is always represented by individuals who promote equality and respect in all areas.”
Rubiales is a vice president of Uefa and a member of its executive committee. The regulatory body of European football has not commented on the initiation of proceedings against the 46-year-old. But if Rubiales were to leave, the Spanish federation could petition Uefa for the right to appoint a replacement.
Fifa’s suspension would leave Rubiales’ ExCo seat vacant until the next Uefa Congress elects a replacement.
Rubiales is helping Spain co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup, which Fifa’s measures could hinder. In addition to Portugal, Ukraine, and Morocco, Spain is contending for the centenary finals, with a decision on the hosts to be made at an extraordinary Fifa Congress in the fourth quarter of 2019.
The Women In Football group applauded Fifa’s decision and stated, “It is clear from the public response that people expect action to be taken regarding Rubiales’ behavior, which in most workplaces would at the very least result in disciplinary proceedings.”
“Given his earlier characterization of those who criticized this behavior as ‘idiots and stupid individuals,’ Rubiales’ apology is insufficient.
“According to the Women In Football survey conducted in 2023, 18% of female football players have experienced sexual harassment on the job. Unwanted physical contact is never permissible. It is the responsibility of men and their employers to address this issue; otherwise, it will continue to worsen.”
