Luis Rubiales resigned from his position as vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee in September
Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been banned from all football-related activities by Fifa for three years.
Rubiales kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s win in the Women’s World Cup final against England.
The kiss, which striker Hermoso says was non-consensual, sparked an outcry and Rubiales eventually resigned from his post in September.
Hermoso later filed a lawsuit against Rubiales.
On Monday, FIFA, the world football governing body, announced the three-year ban for violating Article 13 of its disciplinary code.
Rubiales says he plans to appeal the ban.
“I will ensure to the last resort that justice is served and the truth comes out,” he said on social media.
FIFA confirmed that the case against him concerns the “events during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on August 20, 2023,” for which Mr. Rubiales was initially provisionally banned for a period of 90 days.
“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect and protect the integrity of all people and to ensure that the basic rules of decent behavior are adhered to,” it said in a statement.
It added that the decision was “subject to possible appeal,” which Rubiales has now confirmed he intends to appeal.
Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code refers to offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.
Rubiales, 46, claimed the kiss at the post-match presentation ceremony was “mutual”, but Hermoso has consistently maintained that was not the case.
The incident overshadowed Spain’s historic victory in Sydney, Australia.
Last month, a hearing at the national court in Madrid considered a criminal complaint of sexual harassment and coercion against Rubiales, who was subsequently banned from moving within 200 meters of Hermoso. He has denied the allegations.
Rubiales’ actions drew widespread criticism: the majority of the World Cup-winning team boycotted the national team until changes were made within the football association.
World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was sacked in September and is being investigated as part of the criminal case against Rubiales.
Hermoso, who said her image was tarnished by the kiss, returned to the national team in October and scored the winning goal against Italy in the 89th minute.
Source : www.bbc.co.uk