- Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips without consent at the Women’s World Cup
- Amidst criticism, he stepped down as Spanish federation chief in September
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Shamed former Spanish football president Luis Rubiales has lost his appeal against the three-year ban on all football-related activities he was dealt by FIFA.
A statement from FIFA read: ‘Amongst other considerations, the appeal committee was comfortably satisfied that Mr Rubiales behaved in a manner contrary to the principles enshrined under article 13 of the Fifa disciplinary code during and after the final of the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Article 13 of the disciplinary code refers to violating the principles of fair play and offensive behaviour.
Rubiales kissed female footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips without consent following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England in August.
Hermoso filed a legal complaint after she spoke out on the kiss not being consensual, sparking global outrage on the treatment of women in sport.
Luis Rubiales has lost his appeal against the three-year ban on all football-related activities
Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips without her consent following Spain’s World Cup success
Hermoso celebrates winning the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after Spain emerged victorious
FIFA had initially banned Rubiales for 90 days, but has now extended the suspension to three years.
A FIFA statement released on Monday read: ‘The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.’
Following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the World Cup final, Rubiales was seen to grab Hermoso by the face and kiss her on the lips.
Hermoso was quick to point out that the incident was non-consensual, sparking a number of Spain players to sign a statement saying they’d refuse to play for the national side until Rubiales was removed.
While the former president argued the contrary to Hermoso, he refused to resign until eventually stepping down on September 10.
The incident completely overshadowed Spain’s World Cup win and provoked a global discussion on sexism in women’s sport at the highest levels.
Hermoso said the kiss following Spain’s World Cup triumph in Sydney wasn’t consensual
This is the moment the male president of Spain’s FA Rubiales grabs one of La Roja’s World Cup-winning players Hermoso and kisses her on the mouth
The president of Spain’s FA Rubiales (right) threw his arms around Spanish striker Hermoso, and gave her a strong hug while whispering in her ear
Rubiales, 46, remains under criminal investigation in Spain and denies any wrongdoing.
Last month, a court handed down a restraining order which prohibited Rubiales from going within 200 metres of Hermoso, or contacting her.
Rubiales was also seen carrying Spain player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during post-match celebrations after the World Cup win and was spotted by cameras grabbing his crotch to mark the victory.
Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year-old Princess Sofía were standing nearby when he did so.
