FIFA Bans Former RFEF President for Controversial Kiss Incident

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Three-Year Suspension for Luis Rubiales Following Breach of FIFA Disciplinary Code

Former President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, has been handed a three-year ban from all football-related activities by FIFA. This action follows a highly publicized incident during the Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony in August when Rubiales kissed Spain footballer Jenni Hermosos on the lips after their victory over England.

FIFA, in a statement, confirmed the disciplinary action against Rubiales, citing a breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Rubiales had initially attempted to continue in his role as RFEF president but resigned last month, and his punishment has now been determined by FIFA.

The case is directly related to the events during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final on August 20, 2023, for which Rubiales had already been provisionally suspended for an initial 90-day period. FIFA has notified Rubiales of the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and allows him 10 days to request a motivated decision. This decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

FIFA has suspended Luis Rubiales. Do you agree with the verdict?#LuisRubiales #RFEF #FIFA pic.twitter.com/XHWS01vWud

— Soccerdonna (@soccerdonna) October 30, 2023

FIFA underlined its unwavering commitment to “respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.”

The case has also been under examination by the high court in Spain after prosecutors expressed concerns over potential charges of sexual assault and coercion related to the kiss incident with Hermoso. In her statement in August, Hermoso described the kiss as “an impulsive act, sexist, out of place, and without any type of consent from my part,” leaving her feeling “vulnerable and a victim of aggression.”

Rubiales has maintained that the kiss was consensual and expressed his faith in the truth, vowing to do everything in his power to uphold his “innocence.”

In a triumphant return, Jenni Hermoso rejoined the Spain team and made a significant impact by scoring the winning goal against Italy in a 1-0 victory during the Nations League.