FIFA has handed down a three-year ban to Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association. The ban comes after an incident during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final on August 20, 2023, where Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation. This action was deemed a breach of FIFA’s Article 13 of the Disciplinary Code.
A statement from FIFA explains, “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee found that Mr. Rubiales violated Article 13 and has banned him from all football-related activities, both nationally and internationally, for three years. Mr. Rubiales was initially suspended for 90 days pending the investigation.”
Rubiales has the option to request a motivated decision within the next 10 days, which could be published on legal.fifa.com. Additionally, there is a possibility of appealing the decision before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
In response to the ban, Rubiales expressed his intent to appeal the punishment, emphasizing his determination to seek justice and reveal the truth. FIFA reiterated its commitment to upholding decency and respecting the integrity of all individuals.