Fifa has taken the step to provisionally suspend Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, over an incident following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory against England.
Rubiales had kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the final in Sydney. Despite calls for his resignation, Rubiales haS refused to step down.
The Spanish federation has also announced its intention to pursue legal action against Jenni Hermoso, accusing her of spreading false information. In light of these events, Fifa has chosen to “provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level.”
Reacting to Fifa’s decision, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) asserted that Rubiales would defend himself legally. The RFEF expressed confidence in Fifa’s procedures and stated that the suspension provides Rubiales with the opportunity to initiate his defence, with the goal of vindicating his innocence.
During Rubiales’ suspension, Vice President Pedro Rocha Junco will take on the role of interim president. Fifa’s disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales were initiated on Thursday.
The provisional suspension, effective immediately, is slated for an initial 90-day period while the disciplinary proceedings unfold.