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Rubiales row: Infantino and Čeferin break silence on kiss “that should never have happened”
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, is presenting the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy to captain Ivana Andres of Spain at the award ceremony at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LAUSANNE, September 2, 2023 - FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin finally broke their silence on the kiss scandal that has overshadowed Spain's Women's World Cup victory in Sydney, Australia on August 20.
UNWANTED KISS That Sunday, Spain achieved a historic feat with a 1-0 victory over England in the final of the global showpiece but during the medal ceremony the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales planted an unwanted kiss on the lips of one of the stars, Jenni Hermoso, causing an uproar in the football world.
Rubiales has been heavily criticised for his "inappropriate" behaviour and there has been increasing calls for him to resign, but the 46-year-old has defiantly refused to step down from his position. He claimed the kiss was "consensual", but Hermoso insisted it wasn't.
PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION The RFEF chief has, however, been provisionally suspended by FIFA from "all football-related activities at national and international level" for 90 days as the football governing body conducts its disciplinary proceedings and Čeferin has said there is no need to suspend the UEFA vice-president "twice".
"Of course, what he did was inappropriate," said Čeferin, to French publication L'Equipe on the eve of the UEFA Champions League draw.
OUT OF ORDER "We all know that. I hope he knows it was out of order. That’s enough for the time being because the disciplinary committee will decide. He is suspended from all his functions, everywhere. There is no need to do it twice.
"I’m sad that such an event should overshadow the victory of the Spanish national team. We should change things."
SPOILED CELEBRATION Infantino posted his thoughts on his Instagram account the day after, on August 31: "This is the last day of the month when Spain were crowned FIFA Women’s World Cup winners for the very first time.
"Sadly, however, the well-deserved celebration for these magnificent champions was spoiled by what happened after the final whistle. And what continued to happen in the following days.
"This should never have happened. But it did and FIFA's disciplinary bodies immediately assumed their responsibility and took the necessary actions. The disciplinary proceedings will continue their legitimate course.
FOCUS ON SUPPORTING WOMEN "On our side, we should continue to focus on how to further support women and women’s football in future, both on and off the pitch. Upholding true values and respecting the players as persons as well as for their fantastic performances."
More than 80 Spanish players, including Spain's entire 2023 World Cup winning team signed a statement refusing to play for the national team until Rubiales is removed. The Spanish government has started legal proceedings aimed at suspending Rubiales at the country’s Court of Arbitration of Sport (TAD). However, Rubiales has vowed to "fight to the end".
UNWANTED KISS That Sunday, Spain achieved a historic feat with a 1-0 victory over England in the final of the global showpiece but during the medal ceremony the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales planted an unwanted kiss on the lips of one of the stars, Jenni Hermoso, causing an uproar in the football world.
Rubiales has been heavily criticised for his "inappropriate" behaviour and there has been increasing calls for him to resign, but the 46-year-old has defiantly refused to step down from his position. He claimed the kiss was "consensual", but Hermoso insisted it wasn't.
PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION The RFEF chief has, however, been provisionally suspended by FIFA from "all football-related activities at national and international level" for 90 days as the football governing body conducts its disciplinary proceedings and Čeferin has said there is no need to suspend the UEFA vice-president "twice".
"Of course, what he did was inappropriate," said Čeferin, to French publication L'Equipe on the eve of the UEFA Champions League draw.
OUT OF ORDER "We all know that. I hope he knows it was out of order. That’s enough for the time being because the disciplinary committee will decide. He is suspended from all his functions, everywhere. There is no need to do it twice.
"I’m sad that such an event should overshadow the victory of the Spanish national team. We should change things."
SPOILED CELEBRATION Infantino posted his thoughts on his Instagram account the day after, on August 31: "This is the last day of the month when Spain were crowned FIFA Women’s World Cup winners for the very first time.
"Sadly, however, the well-deserved celebration for these magnificent champions was spoiled by what happened after the final whistle. And what continued to happen in the following days.
"This should never have happened. But it did and FIFA's disciplinary bodies immediately assumed their responsibility and took the necessary actions. The disciplinary proceedings will continue their legitimate course.
FOCUS ON SUPPORTING WOMEN "On our side, we should continue to focus on how to further support women and women’s football in future, both on and off the pitch. Upholding true values and respecting the players as persons as well as for their fantastic performances."
More than 80 Spanish players, including Spain's entire 2023 World Cup winning team signed a statement refusing to play for the national team until Rubiales is removed. The Spanish government has started legal proceedings aimed at suspending Rubiales at the country’s Court of Arbitration of Sport (TAD). However, Rubiales has vowed to "fight to the end".
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