Luis Rubiales, the embattled leader of Spanish football, has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days due to the aftermath of a World Cup kissing incident, Sky News reports.
Despite pressure from Spanish football and the government, the 46-year-old Rubiales remains defiant, refusing to step down. He kissed player Jenni Hermoso during an awards ceremony after Spain's 1-0 victory over England in Sydney, Australia.
FIFA's suspension bars Rubiales from any football-related activities at both national and international levels. Furthermore, he is prohibited from contacting Hermoso during his suspension, which begins immediately and lasts 90 days, pending ongoing disciplinary proceedings. The Spanish Football Federation acknowledges the suspension, asserting that Rubiales will defend himself to establish his innocence.
During this period, Vice-president Pedro Rocha will assume the role of acting president. However, eleven coaching and technical staff members in Spanish football have resigned in response to the controversy. The staff issued a statement condemning Rubiales' actions and supporting Hermoso's account. They criticized Rubiales' statements as unacceptable and incongruous with the events following Spain's victory over England.
Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward, firmly denied consenting to the kiss and, along with her teammates, vowed not to play for Spain again, just days after their inaugural World Cup win. While the Spanish Football Federation maintains that the kiss was consensual and threatens legal action to defend Rubiales, the situation remains contentious.
The federation released a comprehensive statement, offering images as evidence supporting Rubiales' version of events. Rubiales, meanwhile, vigorously denied wrongdoing, characterizing the kiss as mutual. He declared his intention to uphold his reputation in court, countering allegations, particularly those from politicians who labeled the kiss as sexual violence.
Though the government cannot dismiss Rubiales, Victor Francos, head of the state-run sports council, indicated that legal proceedings through a sports tribunal would be pursued, aiming to create a "Me Too" movement within Spanish soccer. Demonstrations against Rubiales have occurred outside the Spanish Soccer Federation, with protestors brandishing banners and red cards.
Before the kissing incident, Rubiales attracted attention by making a lewd gesture during celebrations. Regrettably, this controversy has overshadowed Spain's triumphant World Cup victory, where Carmona's goal secured the win, albeit at the expense of England.
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