Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales faced severe criticism from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee over his inappropriate behavior towards England players following the Women’s World Cup final.
FIFA imposed a three-year ban on Rubiales in October for his conduct during the final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England 1-0.
The committee’s findings revealed that Rubiales had kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and acted with a “sense of complete impunity” during and after the match.
FIFA considered imposing a more severe sanction but settled on the three-year ban.
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According to the report, Football Association chairwoman Debbie Hewitt provided evidence, stating that Rubiales had “cupped and stroked” the face of England’s Laura Coombs and “seemingly forcefully kissed Lucy Bronze on her face” during the presentation ceremony.
Hewitt expressed feeling “deeply uncomfortable and embarrassed” at Rubiales’ interactions with the Spanish players, including tapping one on the bottom.
Rubiales, who resigned from his position in September, denied the allegations and accused Hewitt of lying or speaking from ignorance regarding the kiss with Hermoso.
He has consistently claimed that the kiss was consensual. The former president indicated his intention to appeal the ban on the day it was issued.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee stressed that regardless of Rubiales’ emotional state during and after the match, his behavior was “inexcusable and unacceptable,” especially given his high rank in the football ecosystem at the time.
The ban raises questions about the standards of conduct expected from football officials in high-ranking positions.
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