FIFA suspends Rubiales for kissing a Spanish player
On the afternoon of August 26, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to temporarily suspend all football-related activities at the national and international level for Rubiales. The decision is valid for 90 days, pending the results of the investigation. The Disciplinary Committee also asks Rubiales to refrain, through himself or a third party, from contacting or attempting to contact Jenni Hermoso and relatives. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) was similarly warned.
Following FIFA's decision, RFEF appointed Vice President Pedro Rocha Junco as Interim President. The organization added: "Rubiales said he would legally defend himself before the authorities. He has full confidence in the FIFA authorities and reiterates that, in this way, he is. have the opportunity to defend the truth so that the truth prevails and proves innocent."
FIFA's decision is receiving the support of the players. "Finally someone does something," former Spain women's international Vero Boteque wrote on Twitter. As for Barca player Ana Crnogorcevic, FIFA's intervention is only the first step and there will be "a lot of people to leave".
The scandal stemmed from Rubiales kissing Hermoso on the lips during the women's World Cup championship ceremony on August 20. In a press release issued by the professional footballers' association FIFPro, Hermoso said he did not consent to Rubiales kissing and did not lift him while being kissed. Meanwhile, under public pressure, Rubiales announced that he would not resign. REFE also released four photos as evidence and said that Hermoso took the initiative to lift the Chairman.
"The evidence is very convincing," REFE said on August 25. "The Chairman did not lie. REFE and the Chairman will clarify every lie that is uttered by someone representing the player, or the player himself. Given the gravity of the press release. from FIFPro, the Federation and the President will bring suit accordingly".
In the face of the harshness of Rubiales and REFE, 81 female players announced that they would not play for Spain if he was not dismissed. Betis striker Borja Iglesias also announced that he will not play for the men's team if the President continues to work.
Hermoso has scored the most goals in the history of the Spanish women's team, with 51 goals in 101 matches. At the 2023 World Cup, the 33-year-old midfielder scored three goals and won the Silver Ball. The 2023 World Cup is the first world championship of the Spanish women's team, after more than 40 years of participating in the international arena. In the final, Hermoso and his teammates beat England 1-0.
