Jenni Hermoso's Unwanted Kiss Update: Luis Rubiales Resigns as FIFA Prepares New Regulations

READ MORE: Unwanted Affection: Spain's Football Federation President Kisses Jenni Hermoso on the Lips, Elicits Discomfort

According to reports from Spain, Luis Rubiales, the President of the Spanish Football Association, is expected to announce his resignation on Friday amid a storm of criticism over his conduct during the Women's World Cup final in Sydney last Sunday.

This anticipated resignation coincides with FIFA's initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old official. The controversy arose when Rubiales, in a celebratory gesture following Spain's victory over England, engaged in inappropriate behavior by grabbing his crotch and then proceeding to kiss Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation.

Luis Rubiales Resigns as FIFA Prepares New Regulations

In a statement released on Thursday, FIFA confirmed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, stating, "The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup™ on August 20, 2023."

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee opens disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA

https://t.co/vtGu2Ez8EP

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) August 24, 2023

FIFA further noted, "The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code." These sections of the Disciplinary Code pertain to "offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play." They include actions such as "insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs, or language" and "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute."

Rubiales issued a video apology on Monday in response to the incident involving Hermoso, but this apology was deemed "insufficient" by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

READ MORE: Prime Minister of Spain: Luis Rubiales Apologizes for Kissing Jenni Hermoso as 'Inadequate'

In response to the controversy, the Spanish Football Association has called an extraordinary general assembly on Friday and confirmed that internal proceedings have been initiated.

RFEF convoca una Asamblea General Extraordinaria para el próximo viernes

Tendrá lugar a partir de las 12 en la Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas

https://t.co/9j26uRvNbS pic.twitter.com/56vKRyyw9y

— RFEF (@rfef) August 22, 2023

Luis Rubiales, who also holds the position of UEFA vice-president and is a member of its ruling executive committee, could face potential dismissal by the Spanish federation. In such a scenario, the federation might seek UEFA's approval to nominate a replacement. If FIFA were to suspend him, Rubiales' seat on the UEFA Executive Committee would remain vacant until the next UEFA Congress, when a new representative would be elected.

This FIFA investigation may also impact Spain's bid to co-host the 2030 men's World Cup finals, a bid that Rubiales is actively involved in leading. Spain is competing alongside Portugal, Ukraine, and Morocco for the privilege to host the centenary finals, with a decision expected to be made at an extraordinary FIFA Congress in the final quarter of the following year.

READ MORE: Jenni Hermoso Prepares to Pursue Legal Action Against Luis Rubiales for World Cup Female Harassment Incident

Luis Rubiales Faces Potential 30-Month Jail Sentence for Jenni Hermoso Kiss

The trial concerning the nonconsensual kiss involving Luis Rubiales has not commenced at this time.