Luis Rubiales Banned From All Football-Related Activities For Three Years By FIFA
Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has been banned from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA.
Rubiales was provisionally suspended by FIFA in August after he kissed Spain player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony after the Women's World Cup final.
Hermoso said that the kiss was not consensual and later filed a legal complaint against Rubiales.
Rubiales was also criticized for grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain's win over England in the stands.
On Monday, FIFA - the organization in charge of governing world football - announced the three-year ban for Rubiales for breaching article 13 of its disciplinary code.
Article 13 relates to "offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play".
Luis Rubiales has been banned from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA
IMAGO/Pacific Press Agency/Hugo Ortuno
FIFA confirmed that the ban was in relation to "events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup on August 20, 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days".
A statement added: "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."
According to that statement by FIFA, the ban issued to Rubiales is "subject to a possible appeal".
Whether Rubiales will appeal or not is unclear.
Rubiales did not resign from his roles as RFEF president and UEFA vice president until three weeks after the Women's World Cup final.
He had previously insisted that he would not resign over what he described as "a consensual peck".
Rubiales pictured hugging Jennifer Hermoso before he kissed her on the mouth following Spain's victory over England in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final
IMAGO/Sports Press Photo/Noe Llamas
But Rubiales eventually stood down on September 10.
He said in his resignation speech: "Following the swift suspension by FIFA, along with the other ongoing procedures against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on waiting and clinging to it will not contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.
"Among other things, because there are powerful forces that will prevent my return."
Hermoso made her first appearance for Spain since the World Cup final last week.
She marked her return to international football by scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Italy in the UEFA Women's Nations League on Friday.
Hermoso pictured celebrating after scoring the winning goal for Spain against Italy last week
IMAGO/Antonio Balasco
