FIFA suspends Spain football federation president Luis Rubiales following 'Kiss' row in Women's World Cup final

Despite winning the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup title, Spain has become embroiled in a major controversy. During the post-match ceremony in the final, Luis Rubiales, the chief of the Spanish federation, was seen kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips while on stage. 

This incident has sparked a wave of criticism towards Rubiales, who vehemently denies any wrongdoing, claiming that the act was consensual. However, Hermoso has made it clear that she did not give her consent and found the act unwanted. As a consequence of his actions, FIFA has suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities for three months, initiating an investigation into the incident.

In an official statement, FIFA said, "The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24."

"Likewise, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the national soccer team player Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary proceedings before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 FDC) by which he orders Mr. Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment. Likewise, the RFEF and its officials or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment.

"The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.

"FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigour any behaviour to the contrary", it further added.

Earlier, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had initially expressed their support for their president. However, following FIFA's statement, they have now decided to comply with the suspension. In a pre-FIFA statement, the Spanish FA declared their intention to expose the falsehoods surrounding the allegations made by Hermoso or her supporters. Additionally, the FA vowed to take legal action to defend Rubiales, who adamantly refused to step down as RFEF chief on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Spain women's team has also joined the rebellion. In a united statement released on Friday, all 23 members of the World Cup-winning squad, including Hermoso, along with 32 other team members, declared their refusal to participate in international matches as long as Rubiales remains in charge of the RFEF.

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