The former president of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, has received a three-year ban from engaging in any football-related activities.
After Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final against England, Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
He faced a provisional ban by Fifa but initially resisted stepping down from his position, ultimately resigning in September.
Rubiales, aged 46, asserted that the kiss during the post-match presentation ceremony was “mutual” and “consensual,” while Hermoso contended that it was non-consensual and subsequently lodged a legal complaint.
The occurrence cast a shadow over Spain’s historic triumph in Sydney, Australia.
FIFA, the world governing body, confirmed that the matter pertained to “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”.
It added: “In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Fifa disciplinary code, he has 10 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.”
In the previous month, a legal proceeding in the national court of Madrid addressed allegations of sexual assault and coercion against Rubiales. As a result, he received a ban prohibiting him from approaching within 200 meters of Hermoso.