FIFA has officially confirmed that Luis Rubiales, former Spanish football chief, will face a three-year ban from football-related activities after FIFA rejected his appeal.
This decision stems from an incident where Rubiales kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips against her will after the Women’s World Cup final in August in Sydney.
Rubiales has refuted the claim that the kiss was forced and could potentially appeal his ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The controversial incident took place following Spain’s historic victory against England in the Women’s World Cup.
Despite the triumph, Rubiales’ behavior and the subsequent fallout marred the accomplishment. The 46-year-old initially resisted resigning from his position for three weeks, amid mounting pressure from the international community.
Additionally, the Spanish football federation faced significant discontent, leading to actions such as coach Jorge Vilda’s dismissal.
In connection to the incident, Rubiales and three others are confronted with coercion charges related to allegedly pressuring Hermoso to claim that the kiss was consensual. A Spanish judge has recommended that Rubiales be brought to trial for charges of sexual assault and coercion. The judge concluded that the kiss was non-consensual and an unexpected move on Rubiales’ part. This development adds a legal dimension to the controversy surrounding Rubiales and the Women’s World Cup victory.