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Rabat – FIFA banned former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for a three-year period on Monday.
This decision comes in the aftermath of a highly publicized scandal that occurred during the 2023 Women’s World Cup trophy presentation, where Rubiales forcibly kissed Spanish footballer Jenni Hermosos on the lips.
The player, who has been vocal about the incident, said that the kiss was unsolicited, adding that she felt she was the victim of “aggression, an impulsive, sexist act.” In addition, Hermosos said that Rubiales pressured her to defend him immediately after the controversy blew up.
The incident has ignited widespread condemnation and discussions about appropriate conduct and gender dynamics in sports.
FIFA initially imposed a provisional suspension on Rubiales, following which he decided to step down from his position at the RFEF in September.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee conducted an investigation into the matter and found that Rubiales had violated Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, he has been banned from engaging in any football-related activities at both the national and international levels for three years.
Read also: Spanish Prosecutors Charge Rubiales with Sexual Assault Over World Cup Kiss
“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,” said FIFA in a statement.
Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today, added the statement.
FIFA expressed its strong commitment to “respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.”
