Spain’s Soccer President to Step Down Amid World Cup Kiss Scandal, per Report

FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Rubiales earlier on Thursday.

Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales is expected to resign from his position Friday, sources told ESPN, after FIFA announced the opening of a disciplinary case against him after he kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the Women’s World Cup celebrations.

FIFA’s possible punishments from the investigation could result in suspension or fines. 

Since the incident happened Sunday after Spain’s 1–0 World Cup win over England, fans have been calling for Rubiales, who has been in the position since 2018, to step down.

On top of that, Spain’s minister for culture and sport, Miquel Iceta, called the president’s actions “unacceptable.”

At first, Rubiales refused to officially apologize for what happened. His first comments on the incident incited only further displeasure after he called anyone who believed his actions were inappropriate “idiots and stupid people” who should be ignored, according to The Guardian. 

Rubiales then apologized Tuesday for his actions and stated that he “made a mistake.”

However, Spain’s acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said Rubiales’s apology was “insufficient and inadequate,” and still called for him to resign.

Hermoso and the union representing her, FUTPRO, released a joint statement Wednesday before FIFA announced the disciplinary case was opening. 

“We ask the RFEF to implement the necessary protocols and to ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures,” the statement said, according to ESPN. “It is essential that our national team is represented by figures that project its values of equality and respect in all areas.”

As of Thursday, it is unknown who will succeed Rubiales.