Luis Rubiales has been banned from “all football-related activities” for three years by FIFA after kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the World Cup final.
Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish FA, was found to have breached Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code.
Rubiales faced calls to quit after kissing Hermoso on the lips and grabbing his crotch in celebration shortly after the final whistle as Spain beat England.
He apologised for grabbing his crotch but maintained that the kiss was consensual, saying it was “the same as the one I would give to one of my daughters”.
Hermoso has denied she consented to the kiss, saying she “will not tolerate that my word is doubted.”
A statement from FIFA read: “This case relates to 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.”
FIFA did not publish details of the verdict reached by its disciplinary committee judges but did add in a statement:
“Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
“He has 10 days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
It added: “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.”
