“should never have happened”
FIFA boss Infantino hands out against Rubiales
9/1/2023 8:06 am
Gianni Infantino comments on the attack after the World Cup final. This spoiled the celebration of the Spanish footballers. He also refers to the case against Spain’s head of the association Luis Rubiales. The words of the controversial FIFA President are surprisingly clear.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke for the first time about the kiss scandal and the focus of attention on the Spanish football association boss Luis Rubiales. “That should never have happened,” wrote the head of the world association on Instagram late Thursday evening, referring to the incident after the World Cup final in Sydney about a week and a half ago. This spoiled the celebrations. But it happened and the FIFA disciplinary bodies immediately took the necessary measures. “The disciplinary proceedings will take their rightful course,” wrote Infantino, who attended the trophy presentation after the final.
Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth at the awards ceremony after Spain won the World Cup final in Sydney on August 20. He claims the kiss was mutual. After the incident, Hermoso said she “felt the victim of an impulsive, sexist and inappropriate act that I did not consent to.” FIFA suspended Rubiales for 90 days and initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Scandal overshadows celebrations
Infantino went on to say that unfortunately “the well-deserved celebrations for these great champions were spoiled by what happened after the final whistle” and what happened in the days that followed. FIFA should continue to focus on how women and women’s football could be further supported in the future – both on and off the pitch. “We should uphold true values and respect the players as individuals and for their fantastic performances.” Infantino described the World Cup as the best and biggest women’s World Cup in history and congratulated the Spaniards on the title.
Rubiales was suspended from all football offices after the forced kiss for Hermoso. The Spanish sports court Tad is also dealing with the case at the request of the government in Madrid. Rubiales refuses to resign as president of the national association RFEF, although this has also been demanded by the regional associations of the RFEF, among others.