Former president of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales has been banned from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA, the global governing body of football. The ban was imposed for misconduct during the Women's World Cup final in August when Rubiales forcibly kissed Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy ceremony.
A FIFA disciplinary committee was formed to investigate the incident, and Rubiales was found guilty of violating two articles of the FIFA Code of Ethics: 'basic rules of decent conduct' and 'behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.'
Follow the Sports Tak channel on WhatsApp
The specific details of the verdict were not released by FIFA. However, the organisation did confirm that Rubiales can request the verdict within 10 days and then file an appeal.
"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," said the release.
"Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten 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," it added.4
The ban comes after weeks of pressure on Rubiales to resign. He initially refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing but eventually stepped down from his position in September.
The incident occurred after Spain defeated England in the Women's World Cup final. Rubiales was celebrating the victory with the players when he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. The kiss was caught on camera and sparked widespread outrage.
Rubiales's behaviour overshadowed Spain's historic achievement at the World Cup. It also raised concerns about sexism and misogyny in football. The ban on Rubiales is a significant step by FIFA in addressing misconduct by football officials. It is also a reminder that no one is above the law, even the head of a national football federation.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Ligue 1: Lyon manager Fabio Grosso grievously injured after team bus pelted with rocks before Marseilles clash
Watch: Afghanistan wicketkeeper and star batter suffers painful injury, walks off the field in 2nd over
