FIFA Hands 3-Year Ban to Ex-Spain FA Chief Luis Rubiales

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has been banned from all soccer-related activities for three years by FIFA, the governing body of soccer. This punishment comes as a result of Rubiales' unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso, a star player of Spain's Women's World Cup-winning team.

FIFA stated in a released statement that Rubiales' actions during the medal ceremony at the Women's World Cup final breached article 13 of its disciplinary code. The governing body emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of all individuals and ensuring that proper standards of conduct are maintained.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," FIFA said in a statement on Monday.

"This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup on 20 August 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.

"Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

"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 ban imposed on Rubiales encompasses all football-related activities at both national and international levels. However, he has the option to appeal the decision to the FIFA Appeal Committee.

 Statement by Luis Rubiales: “I made mistakes and I regret it. I humbly apologize.”

“At no time was there aggression, it was consented to by both parties.”

“I will continue to defend myself to prove the truth.” pic.twitter.com/9quDwgbgos

— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) September 1, 2023

Rubiales, in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), expressed his intention to appeal FIFA's ruling in order to seek justice and reveal the truth.

The incident involving Rubiales caused a crisis in Spanish soccer and drew widespread condemnation within Spain and globally. Unfortunately, it overshadowed Spain's historic victory in the Women's World Cup, their first-ever title, which took place in Sydney, Australia.

Following intense criticism, Luis Rubiales resigned from his position as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) last month. The incident involving the unwanted kiss led to Rubiales facing significant backlash.

In addition to Rubiales' resignation, World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was fired from his role. Montse Tomé, Vilda's deputy, was appointed as his replacement, making her the first woman to hold the position in the country's history.

Rubiales, aged 46, initially claimed that the kiss was "mutual," but Jennifer Hermoso denied this, stating that she did not give consent and felt disrespected.

Despite the public outcry and protests, Rubiales initially refused to step down. However, FIFA imposed a provisional 90-day ban on him from the sport in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

The case surrounding Luis Rubiales and the incident during the FIFA Women's World Cup final on August 20, 2023, has resulted in FIFA imposing a provisional suspension of 90 days on Rubiales. The suspension is in accordance with Article 13 of FIFA's disciplinary code, which addresses offensive behavior and violations of fair play principles. This article allows FIFA to take action if a person's conduct is deemed to violate the basic rules of decent conduct or bring the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.

Rubiales is currently being investigated by Spanish prosecutors for the crimes of sexual assault and coercion. He recently appeared in court, where he answered questions from the judge and all parties involved, denying the charges brought against him.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Hermoso, the player involved in the incident, made a triumphant return to international soccer. She scored in the 89th minute during a match against Italy, securing a 1-0 victory for Spain and helping them maintain their position at the top of their UEFA Women's Nations League group.

Luis Rubiales Faces Potential 30-Month Jail Sentence for Jenni Hermoso Kiss

The trial concerning the nonconsensual kiss involving Luis Rubiales has not commenced at this time.