FIFA announced Monday that it has banned former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for three years over violations of the organization’s disciplinary code.
Spain soccer star Jenni Hermoso had accused Rubiales of grabbing and kissing her without her consent during on-field celebration’s of the country’s first Women’s World Cup title in August. FIFA already had provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days as it conducted its investigation, and he resigned as Spanish soccer federation president in September. He also faces charges of sexual assault and coercion in Spain.
FIFA said it was banning Rubiales under Article 13 of its disciplinary code, which warns against “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.” Rubiales can appeal his banishment.
“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,” soccer’s governing body said in a statement.
Rubiales initially refused to step down as president of the Spanish soccer federation after images of the kiss were aired, accusing Hermoso of lying and blaming the media and “fake feminism” for his predicament. But Spain’s World Cup players and other prospective national team members said they would not play for the country if Rubiales remained in power.
Spain also fired controversial coach Jorge Vilda two weeks after winning the World Cup.