FIFA Imposes 90-Day Suspension on Spanish Football President Rubiales Following Controversial Kiss

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken the step of provisionally suspending Luis Rubiales, the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for a period of 90 days. This decision follows an incident where Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup.

Rubiales, who had been anticipated to announce his resignation, instead announced his decision to remain in his role. The RFEF voiced its intention to defend him legally, even as Hermoso clarified that she did not consent to the kiss.

In response, FIFA released a statement on Saturday, saying, “The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international levels.”

This development highlights the intensifying conflict between Rubiales, the RFEF, and Hermoso, along with her teammates. The incident has cast a shadow over their World Cup triumph in Australia last week.

Several players, including those on the Spanish national team that clinched the World Cup, have declared their unwillingness to participate in international matches as long as Rubiales remains at the helm of the federation.

Additionally, FIFA’s disciplinary committee has issued an order prohibiting Rubiales, RFEF officials, and staff from contacting Hermoso or those connected to her.

Rubiales has expressed his intent to defend himself. In response, the Spanish football federation issued a statement asserting Rubiales’ determination to prove his innocence and affirming trust in FIFA.

Rubiales also holds the position of Vice President of UEFA and ranks as the third highest elected official in the European football body. His annual compensation includes 250,000 euros along with expenses.

In a complex turn of events, Spain’s government, via the Higher Council for Sports, filed a lawsuit accusing Rubiales of violating the country’s sports laws through sexist behavior.

Víctor Francos, Spain’s secretary of state for sports, indicated that if the court agreed to hear the case, the government would seek Rubiales’ temporary suspension pending the court’s ruling.

The broader sports community, including clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, voiced their criticism of Rubiales’ actions and expressed support for Hermoso. The political spectrum in Spain echoed this sentiment, and even sponsors such as Iberia airlines stood with the government’s stance.

Amidst these developments, Saturday’s edition of the Spanish sports daily Marca aptly captured the situation with a front-page headline reading “Global Laughing Stock,” accompanied by an image of Rubiales surrounded by members of the general assembly, alluding to the larger ramifications of the incident.”