Rubiales’ expected resignation will come one day after FIFA
opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old, who grabbed his crotch
in celebration of Spain’s victory over England, then kissed Spain midfielder
Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy celebration.
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™ on August 20, 2023.
FIFA’s statement added: “The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
“The FIFA disciplinary committee will only provide further
information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final
decision on the matter.
“FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the
integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the
contrary.”
The sections of the disciplinary code referenced in the FIFA
statement 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”.
Rubiales issued an apology via video on Monday for the
Hermoso kiss, but Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez described the apology as
“insufficient”.
The Spanish FA has called an extraordinary general assembly
on Friday in response to the matter, while confirming it has opened internal
proceedings.
Rubiales is a UEFA vice-president and a member of its ruling
executive committee, and the PA news agency understands if the Spanish
federation was to dismiss Rubiales it could ask UEFA for the right to nominate
a replacement.
If FIFA suspended him, Rubiales’ seat on the ExCo would
remain vacant until the next UEFA Congress, when a replacement would be
elected.
The FIFA proceedings could also hamper Spain’s bid to
co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup finals, which Rubiales is helping to lead.
Spain is bidding alongside Portugal, Ukraine and Morocco for
the centenary finals, with a decision on who will host due to be taken at an
extraordinary FIFA Congress in the final quarter of next year.