FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings over the conduct of Luis Rubiales after he grabbed and kissed a World Cup star.
The Spanish FA president planted his lips on Jenni Hermoso after they beat England 1-0 in the final.
Rubiales was presenting the Spain team with their winners’ medals when the shocking incident occurred.
The 46-year-old grabbed several members of the squad and hugged them tightly on their way to the podium.
Footage showed him forcing a kiss Hermoso’s lips with the attacking midfielder revealing afterwards that she “did not enjoy” it in a clip addressing the situation on Instagram.
The chief rewarded his winning players with a holiday to Ibiza and vowed to marry Hermoso on the island during a dressing room speech.
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Rubiales has faced widespread criticism, including from Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez.
Hermoso has also issued a statement with the players’ union calling for “measures to protect the players against actions we believe are unacceptable”.
Rubiales was also caught on camera grabbing his genitals in the stands during the match.
The former defender was positioned next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia at the time.
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There has been calls for Rubiales to resign.
He initially seemed to defend his kiss with Hermoso and branded critics as “idiots”.
Rubiales spoke on radio Marca and said: “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocy.
“We are champions and that’s what I’ll take.”
He later released an apology, saying: “I’ve no doubt made a mistake and I have to admit it.
“At a moment of maximum excitement, without any bad intention or bad faith, what happened happened in a very spontaneous manner, I repeat without bad faith on either side.”
Fifa confirmed they will look into his actions, saying: “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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
