In a recent development, FIFA’s Appeal Committee upheld former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales’ three-year ban for kissing Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso without her consent.
The incident occurred during the presentation ceremony for the Spanish women’s football team, who won their first Women’s World Cup. In a video from the presentation ceremony, Rubiales can be seen hugging Hermoso and forcefully kissing her suddenly.
After examining evidence, the commission concluded that Rubiales breached the principles specified in Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code during and after the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales was chastised by elite footballers, officials, and the Spanish government for the sexual assault. Rubiales, who initially claimed the kiss was consensual, denied the allegations but later proceeded to apologize and resign from his position.
FIFA had initially ordered a provisional suspension, which led to the three-year ban that Rubiales challenged. Following that, a Spanish court has proposed putting Rubiales on trial for coercion and sexual assault.
