FIFA suspends Spanish FA chief for kissing player

The disciplinary committee of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has “provisionally suspended” Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation, from all football-related activities with immediate effect.

The suspension will be for an initial period of 90 days.

Rubiales had kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during medal presentations after Spain won the Women’s World Cup (WWC) against England.

His action attracted widespread backlash across the football community.

Although Rubiales apologised, he refused to resign amid FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings.

In a statement on Saturday, the world soccer governing body’s committee said Rubiales will remain suspended, pending the verdict of the proceedings.

FIFA also ordered Rubiales and the Spanish FA not to contact the World Cup winner or anyone close to her.

“The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24,” the statement reads.

“Likewise, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the national soccer team player Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary proceedings before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 FDC) by which he orders Mr. Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment.

“Likewise, the RFEF and its officials 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 her close environment.

“The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.”

FIFA also reiterated “its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigour any behaviour to the contrary”.