World Football’s Governing Body FIFA, has released a statement confirming Luis Rubiales has been banned from all football-related activities for three years, following an investigation by the association’s Disciplinary Committee into his conduct at the Women’s World Cup final in August.
The former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), Rubiales’ suspension has been executed following the alleged non-consensual kiss he gave to Spain player Jenni Hermoso after being crowned champs at this year’s global showpiece where La Roja beat England.
Hermoso revealed that the kiss was non-consensual, saying she felt “disrespected and as an employee of the federation, no one protected me.”
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
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,” FIFA said in a statement.
Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code relates to offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.
The 46-year-old former defender has the right to appeal against the decision.
“Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today, the decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee,” the statement added.
Following weeks of immense pressure and criticism, Rubiales resigned from his position as RFEF president last month.
World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was also fired from his role in the aftermath of the incident, with his deputy, Montse Tomé, being named his replacement, the country’s first ever woman in the role.
