Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation, has been provisionally suspended by FIFA, the world soccer governing body, pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing. Photo by J.P. Gandul/EPA-EFE
Aug. 26 (UPI) — The president of the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation, Luis Rubiales, has been provisionally suspended by FIFA following a controversial kiss given to player Jennifer Hermoso.
FIFA stated in a release that Rubiales is temporarily suspended “from all football-related activities at national and international level” for a period of 90 days while a disciplinary hearing is conducted. The investigation was launched on Thursday.
FIFA has also instructed Rubiales and members of the Spanish soccer federation, known as RFEF, to avoid any contact or attempts to contact Jennifer Hermoso or members of her entourage in order to protect the player’s fundamental rights.
Rubiales declared at the RFEF Ordinary General Assembly in Madrid on Friday that he will not resign despite the controversy surrounding the kiss he gave Hermoso on the mouth during the Gold Medal ceremony following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup. Hermoso claimed the kiss was “non-consensual” and “sexist.”
Video footage captured Rubiales pulling the midfielder’s head forward with both hands and kissing her on the lips during the ceremony.
Responding to Rubiales’ characterization of the event as “consensual,” Hermoso strongly denied the claim, stating in a statement, “I felt vulnerable, the victim of an attack in an impulsive, sexist, out of place act and without any type of consent on my part. I was simply not respected.”
Rubiales’ actions have sparked widespread outrage not only within the soccer community but also in Spanish society. Over twenty-three Spanish women’s team members and other players have announced their boycott of the team until Rubiales resigns, demanding substantial changes in the organization’s culture.
FIFA has stated that Rubiales’ actions “may constitute violations” of sections of its disciplinary code, which includes “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.”
Furthermore, the RFEF has threatened to take legal action against Hermoso, stating its intention “to defend the reputation of the President of the RFEF.”
According to the RFEF, Rubiales has provided a clear and straightforward explanation of the events, which are now subject to controversy and ridicule by sectors of society.
The organization has released a series of photographs from the ceremony that it claims support Rubiales’ assertion that the kiss was consensual.
“The evidence is conclusive,” the RFEF stated. “The President has been truthful.”
