Madrid, August 26 (RHC)-- FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, has launched disciplinary proceedings against Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales after he forcibly kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the awards ceremony for the Women’s World Cup.  He also grabbed his crotch during the game as he celebrated in a spectator area he shared with Spain’s 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía. Rubiales is rejecting widespread calls to resign. 

The union representing Hermoso has demanded accountability as the assault has drawn further attention to misogyny and inequality in the soccer world and overshadowed Spain’s historic victory.  

U.S. soccer champion Megan Rapinoe said, “What kind of upside-down world are we in?  On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy.” 

Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also addressed the issue, telling reporters: "It is true that there has been some behavior — in this case, that of Mr Rubiales — which shows that in our country there is still a long way to go in terms of equality and respect and the equalization of rights between women and men.”