World football’s governing body, FIFA, has opened disciplinary proceedings against Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he kissed footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips in the final of the Women’s World Cup, won by Spain.

“FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary,” it said in a statement. “Violating the basic rules of decent conduct, insulting a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs, or language, or behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.”

Rubiales, 46, came under fire and made global headlines a few days ago after the football administrator grabbed Hermoso’s head and kissed her on the lips during the trophy presentation in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Hermoso was left visibly uncomfortable, and the conduct of Rubiales, a controversial figure in Spanish football, has been widely criticised by football fans and commentators around the world.

The player has vowed to take legal action against Rubiales for his conduct, as reports said he is expected to resign from his position on Friday at the Extraordinary Ordinary Congress called by the Spanish football federation.

“Rubiales will resign tomorrow,” Spanish football expert Guillem Balague wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Balague added, “He had lost the backing of the players, the government, FIFA, and even those local organisations that depend on the federation budget.”