FIFA has barred Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), from all football-related activities following a controversy on August 20, 2023, during the medal ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Rubiales, then-president of the RFEF, kissed Jennifer Hermoso, a member of the Spanish national team, on the lips.
Today, October 30, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee barred Rubiales from all football-related activities for three years.
Rubiales had made a suggestive gesture in the VIP box prior to the kiss by touching his genitals. This incident was recorded on video and quickly went viral on social media.
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“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,” the Zurich-based organisation said in a statement.
FIFA said Rubiales was informed of the decision on Monday and had 10 days to request a so-called motivated decision, which would be published on FIFA’s legal website if requested.
“The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee,” the statement said.
“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.”
Hermoso said the incident left her feeling “vulnerable and like the victim of an assault” and described it as “an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part”.
Rubiales, who insisted the kiss was mutual, resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation in September.