World football's governing body FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish Football Association's president after he kissed a player on the lips at the Women's World Cup final. Luis Rubiales faced a backlash for his behaviour towards Spain's captain Jennifer Hermoso during the medal ceremony after their win against England in the final.
The sections cover "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play".
The code cites examples of behaviour which could lead to disciplinary measures being taken, including "insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language" and "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute".
FIFA said in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon: "The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup(TM) on August 20, 2023."
The world football governing body's disciplinary committee said it will only provide further information on these proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Spanish FA called a general assembly for Friday in response to the matter, while confirming it has opened internal proceedings.
