FIFA Now Suspends Soccer Federation President After Inappropriate Actions

Former Spanish soccer federation President, Luis Rubiales, is on a three-year FIFA suspension following his inappropriate behavior at the Women’s World Cup.

On Monday, FIFA announced that Spanish soccer federation president, Luis Rubiales, will be banned from national and international soccer activities. The announcement results from Rubiales’ actions at the Women’s World Cup Final in Australia, where he violated FIFA’s disciplinary code.

After Spain’s 1-0 win against England in August, Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the team’s trophy ceremony. Several photos and videos captured the incident. Rubiales commented after that the kiss was consensual.

Hermoso refuted the former president’s claim by stating, “I want to clarify that, as seen in footage, I never consented to the kiss he gave me, and of course, I never intended to lift the president in the air. I do not tolerate that my word is distrusted, and even less so, the invention of words I never said.”

Hermoso’s powerful words led to a plea to the federation, in hopes that they will take this matter seriously and protect their players from future incidents.

“We ask the RFEF [the SpanishSoccer Federation] to implement the necessary protocols and to ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures. It is essential that our national team is respected by figures that project its values of equality and respect in all areas,” she added.

On August 28, FIFA suspended Rubiales, who had been president since 2018, for 90 days while investigating the incident. FIFA has yet to publish the results of its investigation, however, Rubiales has been made aware of the organization’s decision.

The soccer governing body ensured everyone that they were committed to the respect and protection of all members and did not tolerate violations of these basic rules. Understandably, this incident created outrage across Spain, the soccer world, and the globe.

At first, Rubiales refused to resign following the incident. In protest of Rubiales’ actions, several members of the team’s coaching staff, including Vice President Rafael del Amo, resigned.

Over 81 current and former players signed a letter stating that they would refuse to play for their country under Rubiales’ leadership.