OAN’s James Meyers
10:00 AM – Monday, October 30, 2023
FIFA has banned former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales after kissing one of the players in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final ceremony.
The ruling announced on Monday, stated Rubiales has been suspended for three years after he forcibly kissed star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the trophy ceremony.
In a statement, FIFA said Rubiales breached article 13 of the soccer governing body’s disciplinary code, which prevents officials and players from actions that violate the principles of “fair play, loyalty and integrity.”
“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld,” officials said in the statement.
The incident occurred when Rubiales was passing out gold medals to the national team after its 1-0 win over England in Sydney in August when he hugged and kissed Hermoso. The former team president said the kiss was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual.”
However, Hermoso said she did not consent to it and felt “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression.”
Meanwhile, Spanish prosecutors have charged Rubiales with sexual assault and coercion over the unsolicited kiss on Hermoso and alleged attempts to put pressure on Hermoso and her family to support his version of events.
Currently, there is an ongoing investigation by Spanish prosecutors, who filed a complaint against Rubiales on September 8th.
If found guilty, Rubiales could receive a fine or prison sentence of one to four years. A judge has also issued a restraining order that prohibits him from being within 200 meters of the Spanish soccer star.
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