FIFA bans former Spanish soccer president Luis Rubiales from the sport for three years

FIFA bans former Spanish soccer president Luis Rubiales from the sport for three years

Following his lip-kissing of star player Jenni Hermoso during Spain’s celebrations of winning the Women’s World Cup, FIFA on Monday banned former president of the Spanish soccer federation Luis Rubiales from the sport for three years.

Rubiales, 46, allegedly violated Article 13 of the disciplinary code of the soccer governing body, which forbids officials and players from acting in a way that goes against the ideals of “fair play, loyalty, and integrity,” according to a statement from FIFA. This consists of acting in a way that denigrates FIFA or the sport, disrespecting someone with crude gestures or words, and breaking the fundamental laws of decency.

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“FIFA reiterates its total commitment to upholding and safeguarding the integrity of all people & ensuring that the basic rules of fair conduct are upheld,” the statement read.

In August, Rubiales hugged and kissed Hermoso while he was giving out gold medals to the players following their 1-0 victory over England in Sydney. “Spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual” was how he put the kiss. Hermoso, however, claimed that she felt “vulnerable and the victim of aggression” and that she did not consent to it.

Rubiales received backlash for the gesture from government politicians and the media, with some calling it inappropriate and a privacy violation.

According to a statement from FIFA, Rubiales was first barred from “all football-related activities at national and international level” for a period of 90 days. According to the statement, he and officials from the Royal Spanish Football Federation were also told not to get in touch with Hermoso or anyone associated with her.

On September 10, Rubiales announced his resignation as president of the Spanish soccer federation due to the scandal’s effects on other individuals in his life.

In a special interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales said, “My father, my daughters, I spoke with them.” “They told Luis that he must now prioritize maintaining his dignity and living his life, as failing to do so will cause harm to the people and sport he cherishes.”

Spanish state prosecutors have launched an investigation into Rubiales for alleged acts of coercion and sexual assault; they formally lodged a complaint against him on September 8. Rubiales may be sentenced to one to four years in jail or a fine if proven guilty. A restraining order imposed by a judge forbids him from being within 200 meters of Hermoso, 33.

Hermoso is now a forward for Pachuca, a Mexican team.

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