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Royal Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales is facing a potential ban of up to 15 years from sport if he does not resign from his position this week. The disgraced 46-year-old caused a major stir last Sunday when he shockingly planted a kiss on the lips of Spain’s Jenni Hermoso as La Roja collected their medals in Australia after beating England 1-0.<\/p>\n
He also grabbed his crotch as he celebrated the result following the full-time whistle.<\/p>\n
Now FIFA are looking into the events that took place as they prepare to act accordingly but the RFEF have also launched their own formal investigation.<\/p>\n
Victor Francos, who is Spain\u2019s secretary of sport and the president of his nation’s sports council (CSD) wants the process to be wrapped up by Monday.<\/p>\n
Should they determine that they can raise a case with Spain\u2019s Administrative Court for Sports (TAD) – there cope be scope to impose a hefty ban against Rubiales that could last between two and 15 years.<\/p>\n
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Rubiales had initially claimed those scrutinising his action were “idiots” and “stupid people”.<\/p>\n
But the continued backlash eventually saw the shamed chief issue a formal apology which has not put the issue to bed.<\/p>\n
Spain’s acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez says the apology was simply not adequate.<\/p>\n
“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture,” Sanchez said earlier this week.<\/p>\n
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“Rubiales’ apologies are not enough, I even think they are not adequate. He has to continue taking steps to clarify what we all saw.<\/p>\n
“The players did everything to win but Rubiales’ behaviour shows that there is still a long way to go for equality.”<\/p>\n
The Spanish Football Federation will hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the future of Rubiales, who is reportedly refusing to resign.<\/p>\n
Hermoso has since issued a brief statement that read: “My FUTPRO union, in coordination with my TMJ agency, are taking charge of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter.”<\/p>\n
FUTPRO have also posted a statement of their own, writing: “From our association we ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players are upheld and adopt exemplary measures.<\/p>\n
“It is essential that our team is represented by figures who project their values of equality and respect in all areas.<\/p>\n
“It is necessary to continue advancing in the fight for equality, a fight that our players have led with determination, leading us to the position that we find ourselves in today.<\/p>\n
“We also call on the National Sports Council [CSD] so that, within its powers, it actively supports and promotes prevention and intervention in the face of sexual harassment or abuse, machismo and sexism.”<\/p>\n