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 after their win against England in the final.
She said she “did not enjoy” it.
Rubiales, 45, had also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture, seemingly oblivious to 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia stood close by.
FIFA said the events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Mr Rubiales apologised and said he had “surely made a mistake” while in a “moment of maximum effusiveness”.
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez later said the kiss was an “unacceptable gesture” and his apology was “not enough”.
In a video released on Monday, Mr Rubiales had said: “We saw (the kiss) as something normal, natural and not in any way in bad faith. But outside it seems that a commotion has been created.
“When you are president of an institution as important as the federation, you have to be more careful.”
The controversy has overshadowed Spain’s 1-0 win over England.
This story originally appeared on Skynews
