August 23, (THEWILL) – Global players’ union, FIFPRO, has requested that FIFA open an investigation into Spanish football president, Luis Rubiales, for his conduct during the Women’s World Cup final medal ceremony.
As THEWILL previously reported, Rubiales kissed Spanish forward, Jenni Hermoso, on the lips while awarding her winner’s medal after Spain defeated England 1-0 in the final on Sunday. The unsolicited kiss has been widely criticised as inappropriate and unacceptable.
In a statement Wednesday, FIFPRO said Rubiales’ actions “stained” the ceremony and called for an inquiry under FIFA’s code of ethics. FIFPRO fully endorsed the position of the Spanish players’ union that Rubiales’ conduct warrants immediate action.
The kiss was initially described as “spontaneous” in a subsequent statement from the Spanish federation, but Hermoso said Wednesday that her union was defending her interests on the matter. Megan Rapinoe, United States winger, also spoke out against Rubiales for his celebratory crotch grab following the final whistle, calling it a sign of “deep misogyny and sexism” in the Spanish federation.
The incident has sparked broader conversations around women’s rights and equality in football. The Spanish women’s union FUTPRO has demanded the federation implement protocols to protect female players and adopt exemplary measures in response.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
