FIFA suspends Spanish football chief Rubiales over Hermoso kiss pending inquiry

26.08.2023 - 13:05 france24.com

FIFA said Rubiales is removed from soccer duties for 90 days “pending the disciplinary proceedings opened” against him Thursday.

Rubiales refused to resign from his soccer presidency Friday at an emergency meeting where he had been expected to leave under intense pressure from the Spanish government, women players plus soccer clubs and officials.

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.

FIFA's move came after the Spanish federation had even threatened action against star player Jenni Hermoso for refusing to accept Rubiales’s version of the kiss that happened at the on-field medal and trophy presentation after Spain’s 1-0 win against England last Sunday in Sydney, Australia.

Football FIFA Women Sport inquiry Jenni Hermoso Jennifer Hermoso Spain Colombia Australia

Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales will appear before a High Court judge on Friday over a complaint of sexual assault stemming from his allegedly unsolicited kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso.

Former Spanish football chief Rubiales to testify in court in Hermoso kiss case

MADRID: Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales will testify before the High Court in Madrid later this week over his allegedly unsolicited kiss on the lips of World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso, the court said on Tuesday (Sep 12).

Former Spanish soccer chief Rubiales to testify in court in Hermoso kiss case

Former Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales will testify before the High Court in Madrid on Friday over his allegedly unsolicited kiss on the lips of World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso, the court said on Tuesday.

Spanish football chief Rubiales resigns over kiss scandal

Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has resigned following fierce criticism for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women's World Cup victory ceremony.

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Suspended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales said Sunday he will resign from his post because of the scandal caused by his kiss on the lips of a Women's World Cup player. "I'm going to (resign), yes, because I cannot continue my work," said Rubiales in an interview with television show "Piers Morgan Uncensored". "(Family and friends) say to me 'Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and continue your life. If not you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love'." Rubiales, 46, sparked a worldwide backlash after forcibly kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain's World Cup triumph in Sydney on August 20.

Spain starts probe over football chief Rubiales' kiss

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) regional presidents then asked the 46-year-old to resign because of his "unacceptable behaviour" and called for "profound and imminent" restructuring of the organisation.