FIFA begins disciplinary proceedings against Spanish FA President

The body governing football in the world, FIFA has confirmed that it will open disciplinary proceedings against the President of the Spanish Football Association.

The FA president, Luis Rubiales has been under scrutiny for kissing the captain of the Spanish women's Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation at the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Sunday, August 20, 2023. He earlier grabbed his crotch as he celebrated at the final whistle.

Fifa confirmed that it will look at whether those actions constitute violations of Article 13 in its disciplinary code, concerning offensive behaviour and fair play in a statement released on its website on Thursday, August 24, 2023. According to the code, officials are among those who must "comply with the principles of fair play, loyalty and integrity".

It says disciplinary measures can be brought against anyone "violating the basic rules of decent conduct", "insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language" or "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or Fifa into disrepute".

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter. The body reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.