FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales on Thursday after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the victory in Women's World Cup final last weekend.

"The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during&nbsp;the final," world football's governing body said in a statement.

FIFA said the incident "may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA disciplinary code".

Spain star Hermoso released a joint statement with union Futpro on Wednesday, which called for action to be taken against the RFEF president.

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"We are working to ensure that acts such as those we have seen never go unpunished, that they are sanctioned and that the exemplary measures are adopted to protect women footballers from actions that we believe are unacceptable," the statement said.

Spain's women's football league, Liga F, also called for Rubiales to be sacked.

Rubiales, 46, initially attacked his critics before eventually apologising but the criticism of his behaviour has not abated.

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FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales on Thursday after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the victory in Women's World Cup final last weekend.

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales on Thursday after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the victory in Women's World Cup final last weekend. "The FIFA disciplinary committee informed Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final," world football's governing body said in a statement. FIFA said the incident "may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA disciplinary code". Spain star Hermoso released a joint statement with union Futpro on Wednesday, which called for action to be taken against the RFEF president. ALSO READ | India win T20I series 2-0 against Ireland as heavy rain washes away third match "We are working to ensure that acts such as those we have seen never go unpunished, that they are sanctioned and that the exemplary measures are adopted to protect women footballers from actions that we believe are unacceptable," the statement said. Spain's women's football league, Liga F, also called for Rubiales to be sacked. Rubiales, 46, initially attacked his critics before eventually apologising but the criticism of his behaviour has not abated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales over kiss controversy

Spain's women's football league on Wednesday demanded Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales be sacked for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the country's World Cup victory, describing his behaviour as "disgusting".

"The Professional Women's Football League has lodged a complaint with the President of the Superior Sports Council (CSD) after the very serious actions and behaviour of the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, at the final of the Women's World Cup, and is calling for his dismissal," La Liga F said in a statement.

Spanish football federation (RFEF) chief Rubiales, 46, has been heavily criticised for planting a kiss on the lips of Hermoso following her team's 1-0 triumph over England in the Women's World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday.

Rubiales initially attacked his critics before eventually apologising but the criticism of his behaviour has not abated.

"One of the greatest feats in the history of Spanish sport has been tainted by the embarrassing behaviour of the highest representative of Spanish football who, once again, and guided by his continuous and habitual desire for leadership, has revealed not to be up to the position he occupies," added La Liga F in its statement.

"A boss grabbing his employee by the head and kissing her on the mouth simply cannot be tolerated.

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"It's not just about the kiss. Celebrating the triumph on the presidential balcony while holding his genitals next to the queen is unacceptable and disgusting."

That criticism was a reference to another incident on Sunday evening, broadcast around the world, which appeared to show Rubiales grab his genitals with both hands to celebrate Spain's victory.

Less than two metres away were Spanish Queen Letizia and her daughter, Infanta Sofia who were also watching the match.

"It's an incident which has entered the history of world sport and, more seriously still, will forever be linked to our national women's team," said La Liga F who described it as a moment of "unprecedented international disgrace for the 'Spain brand', for Spanish sport and for women's football in the world".

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Spain's women's football league on Wednesday demanded Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales be sacked for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the country's World Cup victory, describing his behaviour as "disgusting".

Spain's women's football league on Wednesday demanded Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales be sacked for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the country's World Cup victory, describing his behaviour as "disgusting". "The Professional Women's Football League has lodged a complaint with the President of the Superior Sports Council (CSD) after the very serious actions and behaviour of the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, at the final of the Women's World Cup, and is calling for his dismissal," La Liga F said in a statement. Spanish football federation (RFEF) chief Rubiales, 46, has been heavily criticised for planting a kiss on the lips of Hermoso following her team's 1-0 triumph over England in the Women's World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday. Rubiales initially attacked his critics before eventually apologising but the criticism of his behaviour has not abated. "One of the greatest feats in the history of Spanish sport has been tainted by the embarrassing behaviour of the highest representative of Spanish football who, once again, and guided by his continuous and habitual desire for leadership, has revealed not to be up to the position he occupies," added La Liga F in its statement. "A boss grabbing his employee by the head and kissing her on the mouth simply cannot be tolerated. ALSO READ | India win T20I series 2-0 against Ireland as heavy rain washes away third match "It's not just about the kiss. Celebrating the triumph on the presidential balcony while holding his genitals next to the queen is unacceptable and disgusting." That criticism was a reference to another incident on Sunday evening, broadcast around the world, which appeared to show Rubiales grab his genitals with both hands to celebrate Spain's victory. Less than two metres away were Spanish Queen Letizia and her daughter, Infanta Sofia who were also watching the match. "It's an incident which has entered the history of world sport and, more seriously still, will forever be linked to our national women's team," said La Liga F who described it as a moment of "unprecedented international disgrace for the 'Spain brand', for Spanish sport and for women's football in the world". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Luis Rubiales faces calls to be sacked after unwanted World Cup kiss

Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales' apology for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women's World Cup is "insufficient," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Tuesday.

Rubiales, 45, kissed Hermoso as he handed the Spanish team gold medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final on Sunday in Sydney, provoking outrage in Spain. He kissed other players on the cheek or embraced them.

"What we saw was an unacceptable gesture," Sanchez told a news conference when asked about the controversy over the unsolicited kiss.

"I also think the apologies given by Mr. Rubiales are insufficient. And I even think that they are inappropriate, and that he must go further," the premier added.

As the controversy over the kiss grew, Rubiales apologised on Monday in a video posted on social media.

"It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance. Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion.

"I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this... and when representing the federation take more care," he said, adding that he thought the furore was "idiotic".

Rubiales on Monday stressed that he had a "magnificent relationship" with Hermoso.

On Sunday, the player posted a video on Instagram showing the celebrations in the changing room in which she responded to teasing from team-mates by saying: "I didn't like it, eh!" while laughing.

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She later downplayed the incident in a statement released by the federation, saying it was "a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings".

"The president and I have a great relationship. His behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude," she added, according to the federation statement.

Spain's preparations for the World Cup were thrown into disarray last September when 15 players sent an email to the Spanish federation saying they did not want to be considered for selection.

Their protest was aimed chiefly at coach Jorge Vilda and his methods, including complaints that he was too strict.

Rubiales supported Vilda and only three of the 15 were recalled for the World Cup.

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Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales' apology for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women's World Cup is "insufficient," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Tuesday.

Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales' apology for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women's World Cup is "insufficient," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Tuesday. Rubiales, 45, kissed Hermoso as he handed the Spanish team gold medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final on Sunday in Sydney, provoking outrage in Spain. He kissed other players on the cheek or embraced them. "What we saw was an unacceptable gesture," Sanchez told a news conference when asked about the controversy over the unsolicited kiss. "I also think the apologies given by Mr. Rubiales are insufficient. And I even think that they are inappropriate, and that he must go further," the premier added. As the controversy over the kiss grew, Rubiales apologised on Monday in a video posted on social media. "It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance. Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion. "I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this... and when representing the federation take more care," he said, adding that he thought the furore was "idiotic". Rubiales on Monday stressed that he had a "magnificent relationship" with Hermoso. On Sunday, the player posted a video on Instagram showing the celebrations in the changing room in which she responded to teasing from team-mates by saying: "I didn't like it, eh!" while laughing. ALSO READ | IN PICS | A look at India's FAIRYTALE dominance over Pakistan in ODI World Cup She later downplayed the incident in a statement released by the federation, saying it was "a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings". "The president and I have a great relationship. His behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude," she added, according to the federation statement. Spain's preparations for the World Cup were thrown into disarray last September when 15 players sent an email to the Spanish federation saying they did not want to be considered for selection. Their protest was aimed chiefly at coach Jorge Vilda and his methods, including complaints that he was too strict. Rubiales supported Vilda and only three of the 15 were recalled for the World Cup. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Spain PM says Luis Rubiales' apology over Jenni Hermoso kiss 'insufficient'

Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday apologised for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women's World Cup. Rubiales, 45, kissed Hermoso on the lips after she collected her medal, provoking an immediate global reaction.

"Certainly I made a mistake and I have to acknowledge that," Rubiales said in a video posted on social media by Spanish television.&nbsp; "It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance. Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion." "I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this... and when representing the federation take more care," he said, adding that he thought the furore was "idiotic".

Earlier Spain's sports minister on Monday had demanded that Rubiales apologise. "I think it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her," acting minister Miquel Iceta told Spanish public radio.&nbsp; "The first thing he has to do is to give explanations and make apologies, it is the logical and reasonable thing to do," Iceta said.

The minister added that while the 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney was "a moment of intense emotions", public officials "have to be extremely careful because we are giving a message to society and the message is equal rights, it is respect".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spanish-govt-criticise-luis-rubiales-for-kissing-jenni-hermoso-on-lips-during-womens-world-cup-celebration-627578">Spanish govt criticises Luis Rubiales for kissing Jenni Hermoso on lips during Women's World Cup celebration</a>

- 'Spontaneous' - 
Rubiales on Monday stressed that he had a "magnificent relationship" with Hermoso. On Sunday, the player posted a video on Instagram showing the celebrations in the changing room in which she responded to teasing from team-mates by saying: "I didn't like it, eh!" while laughing.

Later on Sunday the RFEF released their own quotes from Hermoso.&nbsp; "It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings," Hermoso was quoted as saying. "The president and I have a great relationship. His behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.

"A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important."&nbsp;

Spain's preparations for the World Cup were thrown into disarray last September when 15 players sent an email to the RFEF saying they did not want to be considered for selection. Their protest was aimed chiefly at coach Jorge Vilda and his methods, including complaints that he was too strict.

Rubiales supported Vilda and only three of the 15 were recalled for the World Cup.

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Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday apologised for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women's World Cup.

Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday apologised for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women's World Cup. Rubiales, 45, kissed Hermoso on the lips after she collected her medal, provoking an immediate global reaction. "Certainly I made a mistake and I have to acknowledge that," Rubiales said in a video posted on social media by Spanish television. "It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance. Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion." "I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this... and when representing the federation take more care," he said, adding that he thought the furore was "idiotic". Earlier Spain's sports minister on Monday had demanded that Rubiales apologise. "I think it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her," acting minister Miquel Iceta told Spanish public radio. "The first thing he has to do is to give explanations and make apologies, it is the logical and reasonable thing to do," Iceta said. The minister added that while the 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney was "a moment of intense emotions", public officials "have to be extremely careful because we are giving a message to society and the message is equal rights, it is respect". Also read: Spanish govt criticises Luis Rubiales for kissing Jenni Hermoso on lips during Women's World Cup celebration - 'Spontaneous' - Rubiales on Monday stressed that he had a "magnificent relationship" with Hermoso. On Sunday, the player posted a video on Instagram showing the celebrations in the changing room in which she responded to teasing from team-mates by saying: "I didn't like it, eh!" while laughing. Later on Sunday the RFEF released their own quotes from Hermoso. "It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings," Hermoso was quoted as saying. "The president and I have a great relationship. His behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude. "A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important." Spain's preparations for the World Cup were thrown into disarray last September when 15 players sent an email to the RFEF saying they did not want to be considered for selection. Their protest was aimed chiefly at coach Jorge Vilda and his methods, including complaints that he was too strict. Rubiales supported Vilda and only three of the 15 were recalled for the World Cup. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'I made a mistake': Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales apologises for kissing World Cup star

The Spanish soccer federation president has been criticised by government ministers for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations of their women's World Cup victory.

Hermoso was heard telling teammates afterward in the locker room she "didn't like it" in a video posted on Instagram and YouTube by El Mundo newspaper and other media outlets.

The kiss happened as Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, distributed gold medals among the team following their 1-0 victory over England on Sunday.

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Hermoso later played down the incident in a statement sent to Spanish news agency EFE by the federation.

"It was mutual gesture that was totally spontaneous prompted by the huge joy of winning a world cup," the statement said. "The 'presi' and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has always been 10 (out of 10) and this was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude."

Asked again about the incident on Spain's COPE Radio station, she said: "I wish they created (controversy) involving someone else, I’m a world champion and that’s what matters."

Rubiales meanwhile denounced those raising questions as "idiots".

"The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a moment of affection that means nothing more, you can't listen to idiocy. We are the champions, that's it," he said according to Radio Marca.

However, ministers and parts of the media were angry at the gesture.

Acting Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said on Monday on RNE radio the kiss was unacceptable and asked Rubiales to give an explanation and apologise.

A non-consensual kiss is "a kind of sex violence we suffer all women daily, which was until now invisible, and which we cannot normalise", acting Gender Equality Minister Irene Montero said on the X social network, formerly known as Twitter.

Acting Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra, who belongs to Montero's party, asked "if they do that with all of Spain watching, what might they do privately?"

A column in Spain's top-selling El Pais newspaper on Monday morning was titled: "Jenni didn't like the kiss and we didn't either" - describing it as "an intrusion, an invasion of privacy, an aggression".

Gender issues are a powerful topic in Spain. The socialist-led government has presided over a raft of legal reforms around gender change, abortion and sex work, but a loophole in its law around sexual consent let rapists out of jail, resulting in a significant electoral loss by Montero's far-left Podemos party, in the government coalition, in July's election.

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The Spanish soccer federation president has been criticised by government ministers for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations of their women's World Cup victory.

The Spanish soccer federation president has been criticised by government ministers for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations of their women's World Cup victory. Hermoso was heard telling teammates afterward in the locker room she "didn't like it" in a video posted on Instagram and YouTube by El Mundo newspaper and other media outlets. The kiss happened as Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, distributed gold medals among the team following their 1-0 victory over England on Sunday. ALSO READ: Injury concern mounts for Manchester City as star defender John Stones ruled out until September, confirms Pep Hermoso later played down the incident in a statement sent to Spanish news agency EFE by the federation. "It was mutual gesture that was totally spontaneous prompted by the huge joy of winning a world cup," the statement said. "The 'presi' and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has always been 10 (out of 10) and this was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude." Asked again about the incident on Spain's COPE Radio station, she said: "I wish they created (controversy) involving someone else, I’m a world champion and that’s what matters." Rubiales meanwhile denounced those raising questions as "idiots". "The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a moment of affection that means nothing more, you can't listen to idiocy. We are the champions, that's it," he said according to Radio Marca. However, ministers and parts of the media were angry at the gesture. Acting Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said on Monday on RNE radio the kiss was unacceptable and asked Rubiales to give an explanation and apologise. A non-consensual kiss is "a kind of sex violence we suffer all women daily, which was until now invisible, and which we cannot normalise", acting Gender Equality Minister Irene Montero said on the X social network, formerly known as Twitter. Acting Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra, who belongs to Montero's party, asked "if they do that with all of Spain watching, what might they do privately?" A column in Spain's top-selling El Pais newspaper on Monday morning was titled: "Jenni didn't like the kiss and we didn't either" - describing it as "an intrusion, an invasion of privacy, an aggression". Gender issues are a powerful topic in Spain. The socialist-led government has presided over a raft of legal reforms around gender change, abortion and sex work, but a loophole in its law around sexual consent let rapists out of jail, resulting in a significant electoral loss by Montero's far-left Podemos party, in the government coalition, in July's election. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spanish govt criticises Luis Rubiales for kissing Jenni Hermoso on lips during Women's World Cup celebration

Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso defended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he came under fire for kissing her on the lips following the team's Women's World Cup victory on Sunday. Rubiales was criticised on social media for his celebration with Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 to lift the trophy for the first time.

"I didn't like it," said Spain midfielder Hermoso on an Instagram live stream after the game, although she was laughing as she spoke.

Later, Hermoso said the moment was a "natural gesture of affection".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spain-captain-and-goal-scorer-olga-carmona-informed-about-fathers-death-after-winning-womens-world-cup-627415">Spain captain and goal scorer Olga Carmona informed about father's death after winning Women's World Cup</a>

"It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings," said Hermoso, in comments passed to AFP by the Spanish federation. "The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.

"A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important."

Spain's World Cup charge was tainted by controversy over both the federation and coach Jorge Vilda's relationship with the players.

Several top stars formed part of a 15-player protest against the national team ahead of the tournament, although many relented in their stance and three were included in the squad.

Rubiales was a firm backer of Vilda and the RFEF was criticised for their strong position against the 15 protesting players.

Hermoso, who plays for Mexican side Pachuca, missed a penalty in the match but Spain held on to win through Olga Carmona's first-half strike.

"We played how we wanted to play and we won a World Cup," an emotional Hermoso told Spanish broadcasters La 1, in tears after the game.

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Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso defended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he came under fire for kissing her on the lips following the team's Women's World Cup victory on Sunday.

Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso defended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he came under fire for kissing her on the lips following the team's Women's World Cup victory on Sunday. Rubiales was criticised on social media for his celebration with Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 to lift the trophy for the first time. "I didn't like it," said Spain midfielder Hermoso on an Instagram live stream after the game, although she was laughing as she spoke. Later, Hermoso said the moment was a "natural gesture of affection". ALSO READ: Spain captain and goal scorer Olga Carmona informed about father's death after winning Women's World Cup "It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings," said Hermoso, in comments passed to AFP by the Spanish federation. "The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude. "A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important." Spain's World Cup charge was tainted by controversy over both the federation and coach Jorge Vilda's relationship with the players. Several top stars formed part of a 15-player protest against the national team ahead of the tournament, although many relented in their stance and three were included in the squad. Rubiales was a firm backer of Vilda and the RFEF was criticised for their strong position against the 15 protesting players. Hermoso, who plays for Mexican side Pachuca, missed a penalty in the match but Spain held on to win through Olga Carmona's first-half strike. "We played how we wanted to play and we won a World Cup," an emotional Hermoso told Spanish broadcasters La 1, in tears after the game. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Women's World Cup: Spanish football prez kisses midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips, latter defends act

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-unleashed-by-messi-barcelona-look-to-continue-winning-surge-259181">La Liga</a>'s hopes of staging Villarreal's game with Atletico Madrid on December 6 in Miami have ended after a local court declined a request to grant an injunction against the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), who oppose playing the match abroad.

The league's organising body filed a complaint against the RFEF last year over the latter's refusal to authorise playing regular season matches outside Spain, claiming the RFEF did not have the authority to block the move.

That complaint will be heard next February.

"Madrid's Mercantile Court No. 12 today decided not to grant interim measures to stage an official La Liga match in Miami in a case about the pending authorisation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)," said a statement from La Liga.

"La Liga respects this decision, which does not prejudge the substance of the matter, which will be permanently settled in February 2020. Staging an official match abroad is part of a long-term La Liga strategy for international growth.

"We hope that from February La Liga will be able to organise an official match beyond Spanish borders."

This is the second time the league has been unsuccessful in its bid to play regular-season matches abroad, after Barcelona withdrew from plans to play a league game last January against Girona in Miami, citing a lack of support.

La Liga and the RFEF have been at loggerheads since the league signed a 15-year deal with US entertainment company Relevant in 2018, which included a commitment to play one regular-season match in North America per year.

The RFEF's president Luis Rubiales has refused to sanction La Liga's plans as he says world governing body FIFA does not approve of domestic competition games being played outside their usual territories.

The RFEF announced on Monday that it is to stage the next three editions of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, but Rubiales stated that no other Spanish soccer competitions could be played abroad.

La Liga's hopes of staging Villarreal's game with Atletico Madrid on December 6 in Miami have ended after a local court declined a request to grant an injunction against the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), who oppose playing the match abroad.

La Liga's hopes of staging Villarreal's game with Atletico Madrid on December 6 in Miami have ended after a local court declined a request to grant an injunction against the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF), who oppose playing the match abroad. The league's organising body filed a complaint against the RFEF last year over the latter's refusal to authorise playing regular season matches outside Spain, claiming the RFEF did not have the authority to block the move. That complaint will be heard next February. "Madrid's Mercantile Court No. 12 today decided not to grant interim measures to stage an official La Liga match in Miami in a case about the pending authorisation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)," said a statement from La Liga. "La Liga respects this decision, which does not prejudge the substance of the matter, which will be permanently settled in February 2020. Staging an official match abroad is part of a long-term La Liga strategy for international growth. "We hope that from February La Liga will be able to organise an official match beyond Spanish borders." This is the second time the league has been unsuccessful in its bid to play regular-season matches abroad, after Barcelona withdrew from plans to play a league game last January against Girona in Miami, citing a lack of support. La Liga and the RFEF have been at loggerheads since the league signed a 15-year deal with US entertainment company Relevant in 2018, which included a commitment to play one regular-season match in North America per year. The RFEF's president Luis Rubiales has refused to sanction La Liga's plans as he says world governing body FIFA does not approve of domestic competition games being played outside their usual territories. The RFEF announced on Monday that it is to stage the next three editions of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, but Rubiales stated that no other Spanish soccer competitions could be played abroad.

Football: La Liga plans to take game to Miami halted by court decision

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