FIFA on Saturday suspended Spanish federation chief, Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for three months over allegations of an unwanted kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s women won the World Cup.
Rubiales` suspension from national and international activities takes immediate effect, FIFA said in a statement about the action taken by its disciplinary committee chief Jorge Ivan Palacio.
FIFA had opened disciplinary measures against Rubiales on Thursday over his actions on Sunday in Sydney.
He said he would defend himself to prove his “complete innocence”.
Rubiales, 46, has been defiant over the kiss which has been condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her teammates and the Spanish government, arguing it was consensual.
Earlier on Saturday the Spanish federation he heads had said it would stick by him.
After the FIFA statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said: “We respect all the pronouncements of FIFA.”
In a statement hours before FIFA’s announcement on Saturday, the Spanish federation said it would show there had been lies told about what happened by Hermoso or people speaking for her.
The statement, issued on the RFEF website, said it would take appropriate legal action to defend Rubiales’ honour, but did not say what the action would consist of.
In a statement through the federation, Rubiales said: “Luis Rubiales has stated that he will legally defend himself in the competent bodies.”
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE
2023/2024 CAF Champions League: Enyimba, Remo suffer narrow away losses
Two-time champions, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba and Remo Star Football Club of Ikene both suffered narrow losses in their 2023/2024 CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg matches on Sunday.
Oyo SWAN mourn two departed referees
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo State chapter has condoled with the state branch of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) and the football fraternity over the sudden death of two referees at the weekend.
Believe in the process, Pochettino tells fans after Chelsea’s defeat
Mauricio Pochettino has called on Chelsea fans to “believe in the process” after his side were beaten 3-1 by 10-man West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Spain defeat England 1-0 to win first Women’s World Cup
Spain won the Women’s World Cup for the first time after beating England 1-0 in the final on Sunday.
Captain Olga Carmona scored in the 29th minute, drilling in from the left of the area after England lost possession in midfield and Spain countered quickly to take advantage in the clash at Stadium Australia.