Wed | Oct 15, 2025

FIFA suspends Spain football federation president Luis Rubiales for 90 days after World Cup final kiss

Published:Saturday | August 26, 2023 | 11:29 AM
The president of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales speaks during an emergency general assembly meeting in Las Rozas, Friday August 25, 2023. Rubiales has refused to resign despite an uproar for kissing a player, Jennifer Hermoso on the lips without her consent after the Women's World Cup final. (Real Federación Española de Fútbol/Europa Press via AP)

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA suspended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales on Saturday while its disciplinary committee investigates his conduct at the Women's World Cup final, which included kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's victory.

The provisional suspension comes less than a week after Spain's 1-0 victory over England in Sydney, Australia, and a day after Rubiales refused to resign, despite intense pressure from the Spanish government, women players plus football clubs and officials.

Rubiales' conduct, which also included grabbing his crotch, has overshadowed the enormous accomplishment of Spain women's first World Cup title.

Hermoso has said she did not consent to the kiss, and the team's players have said they will not play any more games as long as Rubiales is in charge. It was not immediately clear how FIFA's latest intervention might affect that.

FIFA said it removed Rubiales from football duties for 90 days "pending the disciplinary proceedings opened" against him Thursday.

The Spanish federation said in a statement that vice-president Pedro Rocha will be acting president. It added that Rubiales "has complete trust in the FIFA's procedures and will use this opportunity to start his defence so that the truth is known and he is proven innocent." The federation has threatened legal action against Hermoso for refusing to accept Rubiales's version of the kiss that happened at the on-field medal and trophy presentation.

FIFA has given no timetable for a ruling by its disciplinary panel. The body's disciplinary judges can impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.

The suspension should prevent Rubiales, who is a UEFA vice president as well, from working in football or having contact with other officials.

Rubiales has been leading the joint bid by Spain, Portugal, Morocco – and possibly Ukraine – to host the 2030 World Cup. His suspension means that Rubiales cannot attend UEFA meetings or vote in October to decide the winning bids for the 2028 and 2032 European Championships.

Follow The Gleaner on Twitter and Inst gram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.