FIFA has placed Luis Rubiales under provisional suspension from all football activities at national and international levels, a decision announced on Saturday, August 25 by the sport’s global governing body.
The suspension lasts ninety days, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings concerning Rubiales, who had just affirmed his continuation in the role following a controversy sparked by the kiss involving Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup final.
Full FIFA statement
The President of the FIFA Disciplinary Commission, Jorge Ivan Palacio from Colombia, acting under the powers granted by Article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, formally approved the provisional suspension of Luis Rubiales from all football activities at both national and international levels.
This suspension comes into effect immediately for an initial period of ninety days, and will endure as long as the disciplinary process opened against Mr. Rubiales on August 24 remains unresolved.
To protect the fundamental rights of Jennifer Hermoso and to maintain the integrity of the proceedings, the FIFA Disciplinary Commission also issued two additional guidelines. Rubiales is instructed not to contact Hermoso or her close circle directly or through third parties. The RFEF, along with its officers and staff, is ordered to refrain from communicating with the player or her immediate entourage.
The decision has been communicated to Rubiales, the RFEF, and UEFA for compliance. No further information about the disciplinary process will be released while it is ongoing.
FIFA reiterates its commitment to the dignity and rights of all individuals and condemns any conduct that contradicts this standard.
Pedro Rocha, provisional replacement for Rubiales in the RFEF
The RFEF confirms receipt of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s notice regarding the provisional suspension of President Luis Rubiales Béjar as the formal file proceeds. In line with the RFEF statutes, the vice president acting as president, Pedro Rocha Junco, takes on the interim leadership during this period.
Rubiales has stated his intention to defend himself through the appropriate legal channels, expressing confidence in FIFA and asserting that the process will reveal the truth and establish his innocence.
Note: this summary reflects the official communications issued in connection with the case.