FIFA has banned disgraced former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities or practices for three years.
The announcement was made on Monday (October 30) following Rubiales's controversial act of kissing star Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the country's win in the Women's World Cup over England, which she said was not consensual.
Hermoso later filed a legal complaint against Rubiales.
Since the incident and Rubiales's resignation, she has returned to play for the Spanish team this month and scored the winning goal against Italy in the UEFA Women's Nations League group.
Read Also: UEFA Halts Matches in Israel Indefinitely Due to War with Hamas
Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales (R) and lawyer Olga Tubau arrive at Spain's National High Court on September 15, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. The former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has been summoned to court by an investigating judge to be heard as a defendant and respond to accusations of sexual assault after his kiss on football captain Jenni Hermoso's lips at the Women's World Cup final.
FIFA Stresses Commitment to Respect, Integrity
FIFA confirmed the case against Rubiales concerned 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."
Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code related to offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.
"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," the statement added.
The BBC reported that Rubiales intended to appeal the ban against him.
"I will go to the last resort to see that justice is done and that the truth shines through," he said on social media.
Related Article: Spanish Football Star Jenni Hermoso Tells Prosecutors About World Cup Kiss-Gate
