Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, claimed that Luis Rubiales “spoiled” the jubilation of the Spanish team at the Women’s World Cup by kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
After kissing Hermoso during the trophy presentation ceremony following the final on August 20, the world governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against Spanish federation (RFEF) president Rubiales and prohibited him from all soccer-related activity for three months.
The 33-year-old Hermoso claims the kiss was not consentual.
Rubiales, who initially referred to his critics as “idiots” before apologising, maintains that the kiss was innocent and consensual and has resisted calls for him to resign despite growing backlash.
What transpired after the final whistle ruined the well-deserved celebrations for these beautiful victors, said Infantino, who was present at the presentation, on Instagram on Thursday.
“And what happened in the days that followed. That shouldn’t have happened at all. The FIFA disciplinary committees assumed their duties and took the appropriate actions right away.
The legal course of the disciplinary processes shall be followed. We should keep concentrating on ways to support women and women’s football in the future, both on and off the pitch.
Rubiales, 46, is the subject of a preliminary inquiry by Spanish authorities into potential sex assault charges.
The World Cup-winning team for Spain and 32 additional players declared they would no longer represent their country’s team under the current management.
Jorge Vilda, the women’s team coach who overcame a player revolt to lead his side to World Cup victory, will be fired amid the scandal’s increasingly divisive aftermath, a football federation source said on Thursday.
