ZURICH: FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has provisionally suspended Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for 90 days in the wake of the controversy surrounding his unconsented kiss on player Jenni Hermoso’s lips following Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup. The suspension comes amidst calls for his resignation and legal action against the RFEF by Hermoso and the public.
Rubiales, initially expected to announce his resignation, decided against stepping down and prompted backlash after Hermoso stated that she did not consent to the kiss he gave her. The RFEF threatened legal measures to defend Rubiales.
FIFA Orders Rubiales and RFEF Officials to Avoid Contacting Hermoso
FIFA’s statement read, “The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee… has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level.” The committee also ordered Rubiales and RFEF officials to avoid contacting Hermoso or those associated with her.
The Spanish national team, along with several players, has expressed their unwillingness to play international matches as long as Rubiales remains the head of the federation.
The RFEF has vowed to take legal action against Hermoso’s claims of misconduct. The organization asserted that it will reveal any falsehoods presented by Hermoso or her representatives and will uphold Rubiales’ integrity.
In her response, Hermoso rejected Rubiales’ assertion of mutual consent, stating, “I want to clarify that, as was seen in the images, at no time did I consent to the kiss he gave me and, of course, in no case did I seek to lift the president.”
Two sponsors of the women’s team, Iberia and Iberdrola, expressed support for the players and their rights. The controversy has ignited discussions on gender issues and prompted calls for Rubiales’ resignation from various quarters.
