FIFA Temporarily Removes Spanish Soccer Federation Chief Luis Rubiales Over Incident Following Women’s World Cup Final

FIFA announced the provisional suspension of Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Federation, on Saturday for a period of 90 days. The disciplinary committee of the organization is currently examining his actions during the Women’s World Cup final, which involved non-consensual kissing of a player.

The disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales were formally initiated on Thursday, resulting in a 90-day hiatus from all soccer-related activities. Despite facing considerable pressure from the Spanish government, female athletes, soccer clubs, and other officials to step down, Rubiales opted not to resign from his role during an emergency convening of the Spanish Football Federation’s general assembly on Friday.

While FIFA has not provided a specific timeline for the disciplinary panel’s final judgment, it has the authority to administer a range of punitive measures, from warnings and monetary penalties to potential expulsion from the sport.

Prior to FIFA’s intervention, the Spanish Federation had even considered taking punitive measures against renowned player Jennifer Hermoso for not corroborating Rubiales’s account of the incident, which occurred during the award ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in Sydney, Australia last Sunday.

Rubiales’ suspension should effectively restrict him from engaging in soccer activities and from interacting with other soccer officials. Jorge Palacio, a FIFA disciplinary judge, also took steps on Saturday to ensure the “fundamental rights” of Hermoso and to preserve the integrity of the ongoing disciplinary investigation.

In an official statement, Palacio directed Rubiales and any associated third parties to abstain from communicating or attempting to communicate with Jennifer Hermoso or her immediate circle. The directive also applies to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and its staff, who are likewise prohibited from contacting Hermoso or her associates.

Jorge Palacio is a Colombian attorney and a former constitutional court member who has been involved in advocacy for women’s rights.

In addition to his role as President of the Spanish Football Federation, Rubiales is also a vice president of UEFA, occupying the third highest elected position within Europe’s primary football governing body. He draws an annual salary of 250,000 euros (approximately $270,000) in addition to expenses.

Rubiales was elected to UEFA’s executive committee in 2019 and was promptly promoted to the position of vice president by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. Neither UEFA nor Čeferin have issued public comments regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Rubiales. This marks the second time FIFA has taken action in this case.

Reported by Wilson from Barcelona, Spain.

For more on soccer: AP Soccer
For Women’s World Cup coverage: AP FIFA Women’s World Cup

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More about FIFA suspension of Luis Rubiales

• FIFA Official Statement on Luis Rubiales Suspension
• Spanish Football Federation: Emergency Meeting Details
• Women’s World Cup Final Coverage
• UEFA Executive Committee Members
• FIFA Disciplinary Code
• Profile of FIFA Disciplinary Judge Jorge Palacio
• Jennifer Hermoso’s Career Highlights
• Spanish Government’s Role in Soccer Governance
• Previous FIFA Disciplinary Actions