(Madrid) Spain’s Administrative Court of Sport (TAD) has opened disciplinary proceedings for “serious misconduct” against the suspended president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, after he forced a kiss on player Jenni Hermoso, AFP reported. AFP sources familiar with the matter.
The opening of a procedure for “serious misconduct” and not “very serious”, as requested by the Spanish government, does not allow the Higher Sports Council (CSD) to pronounce a new suspension against Rubiales, already suspended by FIFA for 90 days as a precautionary measure.
An explanation confirmed by the Spanish Minister of Culture and Sport Miquel Iceta at a press conference on Friday, referring to the laws of professional sport in the country.
The TAD had been deliberating since last Monday after the Higher Sports Council, a government body, filed a complaint with the Sports Administrative Court last Friday for two “very serious offences”, possible “abuse of authority” and “acts detrimental to sporting dignity or propriety”, requesting the suspension of the president of the federation.
“We continue to believe that this complaint has all the legal grounds to be treated as a very serious offense”, explained Monday the Secretary of State for Sports and President of the CSD, Victor Francos.
The “very serious” qualification of the facts was necessary for the CSD to be able to suspend Rubiales while waiting for the sports court (TAD) to render a final verdict.
Luis Rubiales, who sparked international outrage by surprisingly kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth during the World Cup medal ceremony, has been suspended for 90 days by FIFA, which also opened disciplinary proceedings against him last week.
In addition to sports justice, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the National Audience, Spain’s main criminal court, has decided to open proceedings for “sexual assault” against him, according to a press release.
The prosecution clarified that it was basing itself on the “public statements” of the player, but that it will contact her to offer to file a complaint, an essential step to advance the criminal procedure.