Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish Football Federation, has been placed under provisional suspension by FIFA, the global governing body for football.
Luis Rubiales suspended over nonconsensual kiss
This action follows a controversial incident in which Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations after Spain’s victory over England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final on 20 August 2023.
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The unsolicited kiss garnered international attention after Hermoso publicly expressed her lack of enjoyment from the act.
This incident rapidly evolved into a scandal, prompting criticism from both players and politicians.
In response, Rubiales issued an apology, acknowledging those who were offended by his actions.
Subsequently, FIFA initiated an inquiry into Rubiales‘ conduct on 24 August 2023. Despite mounting pressure, he declined to step down from his position on 25 August 2023, asserting that the kiss was consensual and spontaneous.
Hermoso vehemently disputed this claim, categorically refuting any allegations of consent in a statement released on her social media pages.
In her statement, she labelled Rubiales’ assertions as false and part of a manipulative culture he himself has propagated.
The Spanish soccer federation, standing by Rubiales, echoed his stance on 26 August 2023, stating that he did not lie and that they intended to take legal action against Hermoso.
Remarkably, in a collective stance of protest, 81 Spanish soccer players, including the entire victorious World Cup-winning team, have decided to abstain from playing until Rubiales resigns from his position.
Faced with mounting pressure, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, led by Jorge Ivan Palacio, invoked its authority as per Article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Rubiales has been provisionally suspended from all football-related activities, effective immediately, for an initial period of 90 days. This suspension is pending the completion of disciplinary proceedings.
To safeguard the integrity of the disciplinary process and Hermoso’s rights, additional directives have been issued.
These directives mandate Rubiales and the Spanish Football Federation to refrain from any communication or contact, either directly or through intermediaries, with Hermoso or her close associates.
In its statement, FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.
