Luis Rubailes Suspended by FIFA over Kiss-Gate

By Hammad mughal, August 26, 2023

Spain´s defender #20 Rocio Galvez is congratulated by President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales (R) next to Spain´s Jennifer Hermoso after winning the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women´s World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. — AFP

FIFA has taken the decision to provisionally suspend Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain's football federation, from all football-related activities for a period of 90 days. This suspension comes after Rubiales refused to resign from his position despite facing severe backlash for a controversial incident involving a kiss with Jenni Hermoso.

The incident in question took place during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup final football match between Spain and England. Rubiales congratulated Spain's defender Rocio Galvez alongside Jennifer Hermoso after their victory in the match. The congratulatory kiss between Rubiales and Hermoso sparked controversy and led to demands for his resignation.

Earlier today, Spain's football federation had announced its intention to take legal action to defend Rubiales. However, FIFA's decision to provisionally suspend him indicates the seriousness of the matter and its impact on his involvement in football-related activities.

The suspension will remain in effect for the next 90 days, during which time FIFA will likely conduct further investigations and assessments related to the incident and its aftermath.

Luis Rubiales Controversy

Spain´s defender #20 Rocio Galvez is congratulated by President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales (R) next to Spain´s Jennifer Hermoso after winning the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women´s World Cup final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. — AFP

FIFA has provisionally suspended Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain's football federation, from all football-related activities for a period of 90 days. This decision follows Rubiales' refusal to resign from his position after facing severe backlash over his controversial actions during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup final football match between Spain and England.

Rubiales faced massive criticism for his unsolicited kiss on Spain's footballer Jenni Hermoso’s lips following the team's victory. The incident drew significant attention and led to demands for his resignation.

In response to the situation, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has decided to provisionally suspend Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international levels for an initial period of 90 days. This suspension is pending the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against him.

FIFA has also ordered Rubiales, the RFEF, and its officials or employees to refrain from contacting Jenni Hermoso or people close to her to preserve her fundamental rights.

Despite the suspension, Rubiales and the RFEF are entitled to due compliance with the decision, and the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will refrain from providing further information until a final decision is made.

The controversy has involved allegations of forceful behavior from Hermoso towards Rubiales and has drawn extensive media coverage. The situation highlights the significance of accountability and cultural sensitivity in the context of sports and leadership.