The Spanish government has initiated legal proceedings aimed at suspending Luis Rubiales, the president of the football federation, for his “unacceptable” behavior.
Rubiales is under fire after kissing World Cup star Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final against England.
The incident has triggered substantial pressure on Rubiales to step down from his position.
On Friday, the Spanish secretary of sport says he “wants this to be Spanish football’s MeToo moment” after the government opened a tribunal seeking to suspend football federation president Luis Rubiales
Meanwhile, Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old former player on Thursday.
The Me Too movement, which emerged in 2017, focuses on combatting violence against women. Its prominence rose after film producer Harvey Weinstein faced multiple sexual offense accusations, leading to his conviction and imprisonment.
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“The government starts today the procedure so that Mr Rubiales has to give explanations before the Sport Court and if the Sport Court agrees, I can announce that we will suspend Mr Rubiales from his functions,” Victor Francos, secretary of sport and head of the state-run National Sports Council said.
Rubiales kissed the Spain forward during the presentation ceremony in Sydney. She later said on social media “I didn’t like it”.
He apologised earlier in the week and had been expected to announce his resignation at an extraordinary general assembly called by the federation, but instead vowed to “fight until the end”.
On Friday he said sorry for grabbing his crotch while celebrating in the VIP area in Stadium Australia, with Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter standing nearby.
‘This is unacceptable’ – Spanish football reacts
Spanish players, clubs and organisations have all spoken out – largely against Rubiales.
Alexia Putellas, a Ballon d’Or winner and another member of the World Cup-winning team team, said: “This is unacceptable. It is over. With you partner Jenni Hermoso.”
Another team-mate, Aitana Bonmati, wrote: “There are limits that cannot be crossed and we cannot tolerate this. We are with you partner.”
Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias, who has won two caps for the Spain men’s team, said: “As a footballer and as a person I do not feel represented by what happened today…
“I have made the decision not to return to the national team until things change and these types of acts do not go unpunished.”