Former President of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, has received a three-year ban from all football-related activities by FIFA.
The ban comes after Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory against England.
Rubiales was initially suspended by FIFA but refused to step down until he eventually resigned in September.
On Monday, FIFA officially announced the three-year ban due to Rubiales breaching Article 13 of its disciplinary code.
Rubiales, aged 46, defended the kiss, claiming it was “mutual” and “consensual.”
However, Hermoso disagreed and filed a legal complaint.
This incident overshadowed Spain’s historic victory in Sydney, Australia.
FIFA clarified that the case was related to the events during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on August 20, 2023, for which Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial 90-day period.
FIFA stated, “In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Fifa disciplinary code, he has 10 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.”
Last month, a hearing at the national court in Madrid considered a criminal complaint of sexual assault and coercion against Rubiales, resulting in a ban that prohibits him from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters.
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