- Spanish federation chief to quit over kiss scandal, Cadena Ser radio reports

Spanish football federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales is reportedly planning to resign on Friday following FIFA’s initiation of disciplinary proceedings against him for his unsolicited kiss on player Jenni Hermoso’s mouth during celebrations after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. Rubiales has faced criticism for the kiss, which occurred while he was presenting the team with their medals after their win against England. The incident has sparked outrage both within and outside of Spain, with calls for Rubiales’ resignation coming from government ministers and others. FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings and Hermoso’s statement calling for punishment have further increased the pressure on Rubiales. Despite issuing a video apology, the backlash against Rubiales has not subsided. The RFEF spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. Regional leaders of the RFEF held a crisis meeting in Madrid to discuss Rubiales’ future and potential successors. Pedro Rocha, head of the Extremadura football federation, and Pablo Lozano, head of the Andalusia federation, are considered the favorites to succeed Rubiales. Rubiales, who played for lower league clubs in Spain and finished his playing career in Scotland, became President of the Association of Spanish Footballers in 2010 before being elected as RFEF President in 2018. He promised to modernize the federation and increase transparency, but his tenure has been marked by controversies, including the decision to sack Spain manager Julen Lopetegui before the 2018 World Cup and accusations of wrongdoing regarding the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup. There was also a mutiny within the Spain women’s squad last year, resulting in the dismissal of several players from the World Cup squad.