FIFA has officially banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), from all soccer-related activities for three years.
Rubiales has faced public backlash since the Women's World Cup when he gave Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso an unwanted kiss during the medal ceremony in August. While Rubiales described the kiss as mutual, Hermoso explained how she did not consent to the kiss.
FIFA released a statement on Monday stating that Rubiales’ actions during the medal ceremony at the Women’s World Cup final were in breach of Article 13 of its disciplinary code.
“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,” the governing body said.
FIFA went further to add that the ban, which covers “all football-related activities at national and international levels,” remains open to potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Rubiales took to X to state that he will be appealing FIFA's decision “so that justice is served and the truth shines.”
DECISIÓN FIFA:
Llegaré hasta la última instancia para que se haga justicia y resplandezca la verdad💪
Por muchos esfuerzos de algunos políticos, medios e instituciones, cada vez está más clara la desproporción e injusticia cometida✅
LA GENTE, MUY MAYORITARIAMENTE, LO TIENE CLARO pic.twitter.com/3z7hKMDw2R— Luis Rubiales (@LuisRubiales17) October 30, 2023
After weeks of intense criticism and a significant public backlash, Rubiales resigned from his position as the head of Spain's soccer governing body. This decision also resulted in the dismissal of the World Cup-winning manager, Jorge Vilda. Montse Tomé, Vilda's deputy, succeeded him and became the first woman to hold this position in the country's history.
Initially, Rubiales staunchly resisted calls for his resignation despite the growing public outcry and protests. In response to his behavior, FIFA provisionally suspended him from any football-related activities for a duration of 90 days.
This case is directly linked to the events that transpired during the FIFA Women's World Cup final on August 20, 2023, which led to Rubiales' initial 90-day suspension. FIFA invoked Article 13 of its disciplinary code, which pertains to "offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play." This article grants FIFA the authority to sanction individuals who are found to have breached "the basic rules of decent conduct" or behaved "in a manner that tarnishes the sport of football and/or FIFA's reputation."
FIFA has banned Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for three years pic.twitter.com/trY1kdLsTF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 30, 2023
In a parallel development, Rubiales is currently under investigation for alleged sexual assault and coercion, facing charges brought forth by Spanish prosecutors. He appeared in court last month and provided responses to the judge and all relevant parties involved, refuting the allegations.
On a different note, Hermoso made a triumphant return to international soccer, scoring a crucial goal in the 89th minute, securing a 1-0 victory over Italy. This victory ensured that La Roja maintained their leading position in the UEFA Women's Nations League group.
