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Luis Rubiales: Ex-Spanish football federation chief given three-year ban by Fifa


Luis Rubiales leaves court
Luis Rubiales resigned from his role as a vice-president of Uefa’s executive committee in September

Former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales has been banned from all football-related activities for three years.

Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England.

He was provisionally banned by Fifa but initially refused to resign, before eventually stepping down in September.

On Monday, Fifa announced the three-year ban for breaching article 13 of its disciplinary code.

Rubiales, 46, claimed the kiss at the post-match presentation ceremony was “mutual” and “consensual” but Hermoso said it was not, and filed a legal complaint.

The incident overshadowed Spain’s historic victory in Sydney, Australia.

World governing body Fifa confirmed the case 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”.

“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 body said.

It added the decision remains “subject to a possible appeal”.

Article 13 of the Fifa disciplinary code relates to offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.

Last month, a hearing at the national court in Madrid considered a criminal complaint of sexual assault and coercion against Rubiales, who was subsequently banned from going within 200m of Hermoso. He has denied the allegations.

Rubiales’ actions drew widespread criticism, with a majority of the World Cup-winning squad boycotting the national team until changes were made within the football federation.

World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was sacked in September and is being investigated as part of the criminal case against Rubiales.

Hermoso, who said her image had been tarnished by the kiss, returned to the national side in October and scored an 89th-minute winner against Italy.

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