Former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales – who kissed a player at the Women’s World Cup final – has been banned from all football-related activities for three years, FIFA says.
World football’s governing body found Rubiales had breached article 13 of FIFA’s disciplinary code after he grabbed player Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips. The ban applies to national and international levels.
He also grabbed his crotch to celebrate Spain’s 1-0 victory over England and carried Spain player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during the post-match celebrations.
Rubiales can request the verdict within 10 days and then file an appeal to FIFA.
FIFA has not published details of the verdict by its disciplinary committee judges, who were investigating charges relating to “basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute”.
Rubiales resigned as the Spanish federation president and a UEFA vice president on 10 September. He was suspended from football on 26 August for 90 days.
Rubiales is still under criminal investigation in Spain. Hermoso said the kiss was without her consent and Spanish state prosecutors later accused the former FA president of sexual assault and coercion.
They alleged that Rubiales tried to convince Hermoso and her relatives to publicly downplay the kiss. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Hermoso made her return to international football yesterday, when she appeared as a substitute in Spain’s win against Italy.
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