The Disciplinary Commission has issued a ruling concerning Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation. The decision imposes a three-year ban from football-related activities for acts connected to the events of the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney.
The sanction applies at both national and international levels, grounded in an alleged violation of Article 13 of the Turkish Disciplinary Code cited by FIFA. The core issue cited concerns events at the World Cup final and a temporary 90-day suspension that has been extended to three years.
Article 13 addresses conduct that harms the honor or integrity of a country, an individual, or a group through insulting, discriminatory, or humiliating words or actions. It covers offenses based on race, skin color, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, language, religion, political stance, economic status, place of birth, or any other characteristic. The corresponding penalties include suspensions of at least ten matches or a defined period, or other appropriate disciplinary measures.
Update on Rubiales
These are the legal grounds the Disciplinary Commission used to disqualify the former federation president. Rubiales had previously faced a sanction, albeit a temporary one of 90 days, which barred him from direct contact with Jenni Hermoso after the kiss during the final. The commission’s action is framed as an effort to uphold integrity in football and protect participants from coercive acts and unwanted conduct.
FIFA indicated that the decision was communicated to Rubiales on the day it was issued, and noted that he now has a ten-day window to request a reasoned decision. The organization emphasizes that due process is respected through this notification and the opportunity to seek a detailed explanation of the ruling.
Right to appeal
The three-year ban can be appealed to FIFA’s Appeals Committee, which has reiterated its steadfast commitment to safeguarding human dignity and the civility expected in football governance. The ruling underscores FIFA’s stance on preventing conduct that undermines the sport’s integrity and the rights of those involved in the game.
FIFA’s initial announcement framed the sanction as a response to the kiss directed at Hermoso without consent and the subsequent pressure seen in statements on social media and by federation staff who have since departed. The outcome reflects FIFA’s broader effort to address misconduct connected to high-profile events and to reinforce standards of behavior within the sport.
Rubiales, who stepped down from his roles as federation president and as a UEFA vice president on September 10, will be barred from any football-related activity for three years. In practical terms, this means he will not hold any position connected to the sport until at least October 2026, and he will be excluded from participation in official football activities during that period.
In Canada and the United States, observers note that the case underscores the global nature of football governance today. It highlights how national associations, regional bodies, and international organizations converge to enforce conduct codes that protect participants and the sport’s reputation—across borders and languages. The decision also invites discussion about due process, the scope of disciplinary powers, and how governing bodies balance enforcement with fair treatment for those accused of misconduct, especially in high-profile cases that attract international attention.
As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders in North America are watching closely how appeals unfold and how similar rules are interpreted in different jurisdictions. The overarching message remains clear: respect for personal boundaries and the integrity of the sport are non-negotiable, and governing bodies will act decisively when violations occur.