FIFA Upholds Three-Year Ban On Former Spanish Football Chief Luis Rubiales

FIFA, the international governing body for football, has confirmed the three-year ban imposed on Luis Rubiales, the disgraced former chief of Spanish football.

The decision was announced after FIFA’s Appeal Committee rejected Rubiales’ appeal against the ban.

In a statement released on Friday, FIFA stated, “The Appeal Committee was comfortably satisfied that Mr. Rubiales behaved in a manner contrary to the principles enshrined under … the FIFA disciplinary code.”

Rubiales faced disciplinary action from FIFA after he kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent following the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney in August 2023. The controversial incident led to widespread condemnation, and Rubiales is set to face trial in Spain for the act.

The former Spanish football chief has consistently denied that the kiss was forced and may still consider appealing the worldwide ban from “football-related activities” through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA had initially provisionally suspended Rubiales and later handed down a three-year ban in October. Rubiales appealed the decision, leading to the recent confirmation by the Appeal Committee.

Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup, their first in history, was marred by the controversy surrounding Rubiales’ behavior. The fallout from the incident led to significant changes in the Spanish football federation, including the dismissal of coach Jorge Vilda.

Rubiales now faces charges of sexual assault and coercion in Spain, with a judge proposing a trial based on allegations that the kiss was not consensual and constituted a unilateral and unexpected move by Rubiales.