Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales has been suspended from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA.
The three-year ban follows the conclusion of FIFA’s investigation into Rubiales following his controversial antics at this year’s Women’s World Cup, where he kissed Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips in what she asserted was non-consensual.
Despite Rubiales stating that the kiss was consensual and believing there was a “social murder” against him in his refusal to step down as RFEF President, he ultimately did step down from his position in an interview with Piers Morgan.
FIFA found Rubiales to have been in breach of article 13 of its disciplinary code relating to ‘offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play’.
He was also found to have been acting in an offensive manner during Spain’s 1-0 triumph over England in the Women’s World Cup Final, after he was seen holding his crotch in the Spanish royal box.
A FIFA statement read: “This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the Women’s World Cup on 20 August 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.
“Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the Fifa disciplinary committee’s decision today.”
Rubiales stated that he would appeal the decision, posting a statement on his X – formerly known as Twitter – account.
He stated: “I will take this as far as I have to in order for justice to be done and for the truth to come out. For all the efforts of the institutions, politicians and the media it is ever clearer how disproportionate and unjust this is.”
