FIFA boss Gianni Infantino breaks silence on Luis Rubiales kiss saga at FIFA Women’s World Cup

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has broken his silence on the controversial ‘Kissgate’ scandal involving Spanish football federation boss Luis Rubiales.

The FIFA boss took to social media to slam the actions of Rubiales, who kissed Spanish women’s football star Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy presentation.

Infantino said the actions of Rubiales had “spoiled” the event and the kiss “should never have happened” as the fallout from the drama continues.

“This is the last day of the month when Spain were crowned FIFA Women’s World Cup winners for the very first time,” Infantino wrote on Instagram.

“Sadly, however, the well-deserved celebrations for these magnificent champions were spoiled by what happened after the final whistle. And what continued to happen in the following days.

Gianni Infantino has broken his silence about the controversial ‘Kissgate’ scandal involving Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales. Credit: Getty Images

“This should never have happened. But it did happen and FIFA’s disciplinary bodies immediately assumed their responsibility and took the necessary actions.

“The disciplinary proceedings will continue their legitimate course.

“On our side, we should continue to focus on how to further support women and women’s football in future, both on and off the pitch. Upholding true values and respecting the players as persons as well as for their fantastic performances.”

Infantino finished his post by praising the event and congratulating Spain for their World Cup win.

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“This was the best and greatest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever, a tournament that was #BeyondGreatness,” Infantino wrote.

“Congratulations to all the participants, but a special congratulations to Spain! Congratulations to the Champions of the World!”

Rubiales was recently suspended by FIFA and removed from duties for 90 days, “pending the disciplinary proceedings opened” against him on Thursday.

The Spanish football federation boss has remained strong in his belief that the kiss was consensual and refused to resign from his presidency at a recent emergency meeting.

Rubiales has come under increasing pressure from the Spanish government, women’s players, clubs and officials as Hermoso continues to insists the kiss was not consensual.

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Rubiales’ mother demanded Hermoso tell the “truth” about the kiss and started a hunger strike in a church in Spain in defence of her son, demanding an end to “the bloody and inhumane (witch-hunt)”.

“They’re doing to my son something he doesn’t deserve,” she told Spanish media.

“There’s no sexual aggression because there was consent by both parties.

“My son is incapable of harming anyone. As a mother I ask everyone for their understanding as this is a situation that could affect anyone.”

Meanwhile, Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda continues to support Rubiales, despite most of Spain’s coaching staff offering to resign over the scandal.

More than 80 Spanish national team players are going on strike in protest until the boss of the football federation (RFEF) is changed as the governing body plans to meet with Vilda to discuss his position.

“We can’t say that (he has been sacked), we haven’t met with Vilda, until next week,” interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha said.

“Once we have, we will explain the relevant news… first we have to listen and talk, that’s the important thing.”