Football’s global governing body, FIFA, announced on Saturday that Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish federation, has been suspended from all football-related activities for a period of three months.
The suspension comes as FIFA investigates an incident in which Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory.
This suspension, applicable to both national and international activities, takes immediate effect as per the decision made by the disciplinary committee led by Jorge Ivan Palacio.
The disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales were initiated by FIFA on Thursday due to his actions in Sydney last Sunday. Rubiales has maintained his defiance over the incident, which has been criticized by Hermoso, her teammates, and the Spanish government, by asserting that the kiss was consensual. The Spanish federation had initially expressed its support for Rubiales ahead of FIFA’s announcement.
However, following the FIFA statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) emphasized their respect for FIFA’s pronouncement.
In a statement issued prior to the FIFA decision, the RFEF conveyed its intent to challenge alleged falsehoods surrounding the incident, particularly those attributed to Hermoso or individuals speaking on her behalf.
The federation stated its intention to take appropriate legal action to protect Rubiales’ reputation, though specifics of this action were not outlined.
Despite mounting pressure, Rubiales declined to resign as the chief of the RFEF, defending his actions and describing the kiss as “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual.”
Hermoso, on the other hand, firmly stated that she did not consent to the kiss and felt “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression.”
The Spanish government, while unable to directly remove Rubiales from his position, strongly criticized his actions and announced its efforts to suspend him through a legal process before a sports tribunal.
The Spanish women’s team, including Hermoso and other players, issued a joint statement through their FUTPRO union, asserting their refusal to participate in international matches as long as Rubiales remains the head of the federation.
The RFEF responded with a statement, vowing to initiate appropriate legal actions in response to the union’s claims. The statement also contained photographs to support Rubiales’ contention that Hermoso had lifted him by the hips during the incident.
Sponsors of the women’s team, including Iberia and Iberdrola, expressed support for the players’ rights and dignity.
Rubiales’ refusal to step down was met with criticism, particularly on social media platforms. The incident has ignited discussions about gender issues in Spain, coinciding with the country’s ongoing efforts to address gender equality and women’s rights.
