FIFA suspends Spanish Football President Luis Rubiales for 90 days after World Cup ‘kiss’ scandal

The global governing body of football, FIFA, has imposed a 90-day suspension on Spain’s Football Federation President Luis Rubiales, as part of an ongoing investigation into his conduct during the recently concluded Women’s World Cup final in Australia.

Rubiales is facing severe criticism for an incident in which he kissed one of the members of Spain’s World Cup-winning team, Jenni Hermoso, on the lips without her consent. Hermoso said on Friday that she did not give consent for the kiss.

The suspension announcement also pertains to the incident where Rubiales made an explicit gesture while standing alongside Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Sofia.

“The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee… has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level,” a statement released by FIFA read.

Spain’s Football President Luis Rubiales ordered not to contact victim player

FIFA’s disciplinary judge, Jorge Palacio, has ordered Rubiales “to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment,” according to the statement released by FIFA.

“Likewise, the RFEF [Spanish Football Federation] and its officials or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment,” the statement from FIFA added.

The FIFA committee has said that it would provide no further comments regarding the disciplinary proceedings until a decision is taken by the committee.

Despite mounting pressure from the Spanish government, women players, domestic football clubs, and even global stakeholders, Rubiales has chosen not to step down as the president of Spain’s football federation. This decision came after an emergency meeting convened by the Spanish Football Federation’s general assembly.

Adding to the unfolding situation, Spain’s government has taken legal action against Rubiales, alleging that his actions violated the country’s sports laws with regard to sexism.