Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), has been handed a three-year ban from all football-related activities at the national and international levels by FIFA. The ban comes in the wake of a controversial incident during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final in August.
FIFA conducted an investigation following the incident, where Rubiales planted a kiss on the lips of Spanish striker Jenni Hermoso without her consent after Spain’s triumph over England’s Lionesses. Although Rubiales denied any wrongdoing, he faced widespread backlash and eventually stepped down from his position of power last month.
FIFA provisionally suspended him for 90 days during their investigation and concluded that Rubiales had violated their disciplinary code.
Hermoso had filed a legal complaint against Rubiales, alleging sexual assault and coercion. Spanish prosecutors are continuing to investigate these charges. Fittingly, she marked her return to the national team with an 89th-minute winning goal in a recent match, saying, “What better joy than to feel good again, to score the winning goal. Now I can only smile.”
Rubiales has the option to appeal the FIFA decision before the FIFA Appeal Committee. FIFA has expressed its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of all individuals and ensuring proper standards of conduct are upheld.