The FIFA Appeals Committee has upheld the decision to disqualify Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, for actions that took place after the Women’s World Cup final held in Australia and New Zealand.
The committee rejected Rubiales’s challenge to the FIFA Disciplinary Commission’s ruling, which imposed a three year ban from any football related activity at national and international levels due to his conduct in the moment of the medal ceremony after Spain defeated England. This act was deemed inconsistent with the standards expected of officials and leaders within the sport.
In FIFA’s statement, the Appeals Commission’s decision was explained after a review of submitted documents and a formal hearing. It was noted that Rubiales’s behavior violated the principles outlined in Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, specifically during and after the Women’s World Cup final, as reported by FIFA authorities. [FIFA Statement]
The ruling was formally communicated to Rubiales, who had ten days to request a reasoned decision per the FIFA Disciplinary Code. A full, reasoned decision would be published on legal.fifa.com if requested. There is also an avenue to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). [FIFA Documentation]
“Basic rules of civil behavior”
FIFA reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of all participants and to upholding fundamental norms of civil conduct. This stance represents the body of world football’s formal conclusion in this matter. [FIFA Core Principles]
Rubiales had initially received a provisional 90 day suspension. The final disqualification, confirmed after the October 30 match, was tied to a violation of Article 13 of the organizing rules. The incident involved inappropriate touching in the penalty area and the kiss directed at Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony following Spain’s victory over England. [FIFA Case Summary]
The former RFEF president stated at the time that he would exhaust all available avenues to ensure justice and truth regarding the events of that night in Sydney. [Public Statement]
Judge recommends putting Rubiales, Vilda and other former directors on the stand over Jenni Hermoso’s non-consensual kiss
Spanish National Court judge Francisco de Jorge advised that Luis Rubiales should face trial for the kiss given to actress Jenni Hermoso without her consent after the World Cup final on 20 August. The judge also highlighted the pressure Rubiales faced and the need to establish what happened that night. After months of investigation, the judge concluded that the kiss was given without consent and described the act as a surprising move by Rubiales, who was investigated for sexual assault and coercion. [Judicial Opinion]
The judge’s assessment indicates potential charges or dismissal considerations for Rubiales as well as former women’s coach Jorge Vilda, and other senior figures such as Albert Luque, director of the men’s team, and Rubén Rivera, the RFEF’s marketing director, in relation to alleged pressure on Jenni Hermoso. [Judicial Opinion]