FIFA suspends Spanish Football Federation president pending investigation
The suspension applied to Rubiales will be valid for 90 days, starting this Saturday. The continuity of this measure will be reviewed as the investigations carried out by the entity progress.
Moment when Luis Rubiales kissed the player Jenni Hermoso - Photo Reproduction/Hannah Mckay/Reuters
FIFA released this Saturday morning (26) the temporary suspension ofLuís rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Federation. He has faced criticism since forcibly kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the Women's World Cup awards ceremony in Australia. The announcement of the suspension was made by Jorge Ivan Palacio, president of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. As a result of this measure, Rubiales is banned from participating in any football-related events, both in Spain and anywhere else in the world.
Suspension
In an official statement, the Palace announced that, based on the Article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, opted to impose a temporary ban on Rubiales, which covers his participation in any football-related event, both nationally and internationally. Initially, this suspension will last for 90 days, starting this Saturday. The continuity of this measure will be evaluated as the investigations conducted by the entity continue, after being initiated last Thursday (24).
The statement also highlights the importance of preserving the fundamental rights of the athlete Jenni Hermoso. Furthermore, the entity has undertaken to take measures should Rubiales or other individuals close to him try to establish contact with the world champion or anyone associated with her. Finally, FIFA finalized the note by reiterating its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all people and vehemently condemning any behavior that violates this principle.
Manifestations
Last Friday, at an event held at the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales has categorically declared that he does not intend to resign as president. In addition, he claimed that the controversial kiss given to Hermoso was consensual, a statement that generated great controversy. In return, the organization issued a statement on Saturday, accusing the athlete of lying and threatening to take legal action against her. Hermoso, for his part, vehemently reiterated that he never consented to the kiss that Rubiales gave him during the celebration of the historic title of the Spanish women's national team.
After the announcement that Rubiales did not intend to resign as president of the Spanish Federation, its vice president, Rafael Del Amo, resigned, arguing that he was uncomfortable with the position of the president. That decision triggered a series of demonstrations aimed at Rubiales remaining in office. Several clubs, soccer players and even the president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, have already expressed their opposition to Rubiales remaining in office.
A statement of support for Jenni Hermoso was issued by a group of more than 80 Spanish players. Unanimously, they declared that they would not respond to calls for the national team of Spain until Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Federation.
Defense
Following the announcement of FIFA's suspension of football this Saturday morning, Luis Rubiales issued a statement through the Spanish Federation, declaring his intention to respond to the accusations leveled against him. He expressed confidence that the truth will come out and stated that he is prepared to defend himself legally before the competent authorities. Rubiales reiterated his trust in Fifa and highlighted that he will have the opportunity to start his defense, thus seeking that the truth prevails and his complete innocence is established.
