FIFA suspends Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales for 90 days after World Cup final kiss

FIFA suspended the president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, from his functions on Saturday while his disciplinary committee investigates his conduct during the final of the Women’s World Cup, which included kissing a player without his consent.

FIFA said Rubiales was suspended from playing football for 90 days “pending the disciplinary proceedings opened” against him on Thursday.

Rubiales refused to resign of his presidency of football on Friday in an emergency meeting where he had to leave under intense pressure from the Spanish government, players as well as clubs and football officials.

FIFA gave no timetable for a decision by its disciplinary committee. The body’s disciplinary judges can impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspension from the sport.

FIFA’s decision comes after the Spanish FA even threatened to take action against star player Jenni Hermoso for refusing to accept Rubiales’ version of the kiss that happened during the medals and trophies presentation on the pitch after Spain’s 1-0 win over England last Sunday in Sydney, Australia. .

The FIFA suspension should prevent Rubiales from working in football or having contact with other officials.

FIFA disciplinary judge Jorge Palacio also intervened on Saturday to protect Hermoso’s “fundamental rights” and the integrity of the disciplinary file.

Palacio ordered Rubiales “to refrain, by himself or through third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team, Ms. Jennifer Hermoso, or her close environment”, a FIFA said in a statement.

“Similarly, the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) and its managers or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and its immediate environment,” said FIFA.

Palacio is a Colombian lawyer and former member of the Constitutional Court who has worked in the field of women’s rights.

FIFA has intervened twice in this case while the European football body, UEFA, has not yet commented on the situation of its vice-president Rubiales.