FIFA has banned former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for three years over his behaviour after Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The ban was announced by the governing body in a statement on Monday.
“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,” FIFA said in a statement on Monday.
Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the post-match presentation ceremnony.
Although Rubiales maintained that the kiss was “mutual,” Hermoso has constantly said it was not.
“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.
“Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
“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.”
Following the controversy and backlash, Rubiales stepped down from his role in September.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
