Luis Rubiales: FIFA bans Rubiales from ‘all football-related activities’ for three years after unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso

CNN
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FIFA, the governing body of soccer, has imposed a three-year ban on Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), due to his unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso, the star player of Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team.

According to FIFA’s statement released on Monday, Rubiales’ actions during the Women’s World Cup final violated article 13 of the disciplinary code.

“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld,” stated the governing body.

FIFA clarified that the ban covers “all football-related activities at national and international levels,” but it can be appealed before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

Rubiales’ behavior caused a crisis in Spanish soccer and received widespread condemnation both in Spain and globally. It overshadowed Spain’s historic victory in the Women’s World Cup, their first ever title, in Sydney, Australia.

After facing intense criticism, Rubiales resigned from his position as the president of Spain’s soccer federation last month. The incident also resulted in the dismissal of World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda, who was replaced by Montse Tomé, making her the first woman to hold the position.

Rubiales, aged 46, claimed that the kiss was “mutual,” but Hermoso denied it, stating that she did not give her consent and was not treated with respect.

Initially, Rubiales refused to resign despite public outcry and protests. He was provisionally banned from the sport by FIFA for 90 days.

FIFA stated on Monday, “This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 20 August 2023, for which Mr. Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.”

Article 13 of FIFA’s disciplinary code addresses “offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.” It empowers FIFA to take action against individuals who violate “the basic rules of decent conduct” or engage in conduct that brings the sport of football or FIFA into disrepute.

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