The disciplinary process initiated by FIFA against Luis Rubiales will proceed according to normal procedures, despite the resignation of the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), a source in the international organization told EFE this Monday.
The same source contacted by the Spanish news agency noted that FIFA’s Code of Ethics states that the investigation must continue “regardless of whether the person continues to be subject to this code” since he is no longer fulfilling his role.
On Sunday, Luis Rubiales said he had resigned as president of the RFEF, as well as his position at UEFA, following controversy caused by a kiss he gave to player Jenny Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s unprecedented European Championship victory. Women’s World Cup final, August 20.
FIFA announced it would begin disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales five days later for a possible breach of the world football governing body’s Code of Ethics, subsequently suspending the Spanish federation leader for 90 days.
The footballer said that the kiss was not consensual, contrary to the statements of the federation president. Earlier in the stadium stands, Rubiales touched his own genitals to celebrate Spain’s victory.
Both behaviors led to the Spanish government filing complaints against him with the Administrative Sports Court, which also decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales.
The current RFEF president, Pedro Rocha, got Jorge Vilda fired as women’s coach and replaced him with Montse Thome.