FIFA bans ex-Spanish FA chief for three years over World Cup kiss

Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has been banned for three years by the disciplinary committee of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

Rubiales is suspended from all football-related activities at national and international levels.

The ex-FA chief had kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during medal presentations after Spain won the Women’s World Cup (WWC) against England in August.

His action attracted widespread backlash across the football community.

Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for 90 days before the ban.

Following the incident, FIFA’s disciplinary committee opened a case against the 46-year-old who initially refused to resign despite global backlash.

Rubiales would eventually resign in September amid internal pressure.

But on Monday, the Las Palmas-born football official saw his initial suspension turned into a three-year ban after the committee found him guilty of the offense, according to a statement released by FIFA.

“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,” the statement reads.

“This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on 20 August 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.”

The statement added that the decision is subject to appeal, if Rubiales takes up the option.

“Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today,” it added.

“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.

“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.”

Rubiales, vice-president of UEFA for four years before he was ousted in September, reigned as the 25th Spanish football federation boss for five years.