Title: Spanish Soccer Federation President Faces Resignation Amid Uproar Over Inappropriate Conduct
Date: [Current Date]
Barcelona, Spain (AP) – The president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, is expected to present his resignation at an emergency meeting of the general assembly on Friday. Reports of his impending resignation have emerged following a public outcry over an incident where he kissed Women’s World Cup champion Jenni Hermoso without her consent. Rubiales, 46, faces immense pressure to step down after FIFA opened a disciplinary case against him on Thursday.
The incident took place during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday. Rubiales grabbed player Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips, which was widely condemned as an inappropriate act. Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez deemed Rubiales’ attempt to apologize as unconvincing, stating that he must take further steps to be held accountable.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee will assess whether Rubiales violated their code of conduct, specifically the rules of decent conduct and bringing disrepute to the sport. Meanwhile, Spain’s Higher Council of Sports has pledged to swiftly address the formal complaints filed against Rubiales, reviewing whether he contravened Spain’s sports law or the federation’s code of conduct. If found guilty, Rubiales could be declared unfit to hold his office by Spain’s Administrative Court for Sports.
Adding to the controversy, Rubiales had previously made a lewd gesture by grabbing his crotch during the victory celebration, as Spain’s Queen Letizia and Princess Sofía were present nearby. The combination of the inappropriate gesture and unsolicited kiss has brought Rubiales severe criticism, tarnishing the achievements of the women who represented Spain.
Jenni Hermoso, an influential forward in Spain’s winning campaign, expressed her discomfort with the incident on social media, stating, “I did not like it, but what could I do?” However, later reports claimed that the federation coerced her into releasing a statement downplaying the incident, which the federation denies.
Various political parties from across the spectrum have called for Rubiales’ resignation, and he has not received support from any major sports figures. Moreover, FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings have further intensified the pressure on Rubiales to step down.
The emergency meeting of the Spanish soccer federation’s general assembly is set to take place in Madrid at noon local time. As of now, the federation has not released any official statement confirming Rubiales’ resignation.
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