FIFA have stepped forward in the case of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales. Following the submission of a letter that was signed by 81 Spain’s women footballers, FIFA took a decision. They have provisionally suspended Rubiales from any kind of footballing activities for the next 90 days. The suspension begins immediately and FIFA will simultaneously conduct their own investigation into the matter. In the meantime, Rubiales keeps reiterating that the kiss was consensual. Jenni Hermoso has denied it and videos prove her words as well.
FIFA released a statement announcing the suspension of Luis Rubiales. It read, “The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24.”
“Likewise, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the national soccer team player Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary proceedings before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 FDC) by which he orders Mr. Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment.”
“Likewise, the RFEF and its officials or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment. FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigour any behaviour to the contrary.” Many people called for Rubiales to quit his position, but he refused. The suspension from FIFA comes after his repeated cries, “I am not resigning” during a press conference.
Even during an RFEF assembly last Friday, Rubiales repeated that he would not resign. There were thousands of videos online of the incident involving him and Jenni Hermoso. It was clear that the player did not consent to any kiss. However, Rubiales still provided that as his reason for not quitting. He said, “We’re in a country where the law rules, where there has to be a motive to take you out of someplace. And I say: what is it I’ve done? A consensual peck is enough to get me out of here?”
Additionally, even though Rubiales apologised for it, he also grabbed his crotch at the time. Rubiales’ cries of refusal to step down were not the only bizarre incident. The RFEF took his side and decided to take legal action against Hermoso. This prompted 81 Spanish women players to submit a signed letter that said they would reject any call-up to the national team until Rubiales resigned. FIFA in their statement ordered RFEF and Rubiales to abstain from contacting Hermoso. He now has 3 days to appeal FIFA’s decision.
