The Disciplinary Committee of the International Football Association (FIFA) announced today, Saturday, that it has suspended the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, for a period of 90 days. This decision comes amid controversy sparked by his actions when he grabbed player Jenni Hermoso's head and kissed her on the mouth during the celebration of Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup. FIFA stated in a release, "Today, the chair of FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has decided to temporarily suspend Rubiales from all football-related activities at both the national and international levels."
Rubiales confirmed that he would legally defend himself before the relevant authorities, expressing complete trust in FIFA, and emphasized that this process grants him the opportunity to begin his defense until the truth is revealed and his full innocence is established.
FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales last Thursday following his actions in Sydney last Sunday. The committee has also ordered Rubiales and officials of the Spanish Federation and its staff to refrain from communicating or attempting to communicate with Hermoso or those around her.
FIFA further stated that it informed Rubiales, the Spanish Federation, and UEFA of the decision today for implementation. Rubiales, 46, challenged the claims regarding the kiss, which were condemned by Hermoso, her teammates, and the Spanish government on the grounds that it was not consensual. Following FIFA's statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Spanish Football Federation said, "We respect all statements and decisions from FIFA."
In a statement through the federation, Rubiales said, "Luis Rubiales stated that he will legally defend himself before the relevant authorities. He completely trusts FIFA and affirms that this way he is granted the opportunity to start his defense until the truth prevails and his complete innocence is proven."
Rubiales played in the second division during his playing career, which lasted 12 years. Upon his election as the president of the Spanish Federation in 2018, he promised to modernize the federation's structure and increase transparency. Rubiales rejected calls to resign following the events of last Sunday, asserting that the kiss was "spontaneous, mutual, joyful, and consensual," while the player claimed it was non-consensual and that she felt she had been "attacked."
The player received support from the Spanish government, which cannot remove Rubiales but condemned his actions. The Spanish national team members, including those who won the World Cup, announced that they would not play international matches as long as Rubiales remained in his position as president of the federation.
