The International Football Federation (FIFA) is pursuing disciplinary measures against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), in connection with an incident involving player Jennifer Hermoso from Spain’s women’s national team. This development has been reported by Daily Mail and echoed by several other outlets during ongoing coverage.
According to the reporting, FIFA is seeking a sanction that would bar Rubiales from participating in football activities for a period of 15 years, which represents the maximum penalty currently permitted under the federation’s rules. The move reflects FIFA’s emphasis on safeguarding professional conduct within the sport and upholding standards of tamper-free, respectful behavior across all levels of the game.
At the awards ceremony following Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, where the Spanish team defeated England 1–0, Rubiales embraced Hermoso and kissed her on the lips. The gesture sparked widespread debate and was described by many journalists and fans as inappropriate or excessive within the context of the event and the broader discourse on athlete conduct and leadership responsibilities.
FIFA opened a disciplinary case against Rubiales, and while he issued an apology for his actions, the Spanish federation convened an extraordinary session to address the situation. During his address, Rubiales stated that he would not resign and expressed willingness to present his defense in court. Subsequently, on August 26, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended him from any football-related activity pending the investigation’s outcome, signaling the seriousness with which the governing bodies are treating issues of personal conduct and impropriety in international sport.
Following the public controversy, reactions within Spain included demonstrations and calls from various quarters. There were reports of supporters, as well as opponents, engaging in protests and other actions to convey their perspectives on leadership accountability and professional ethics in football. The incident prompted a broader conversation about how governing bodies respond to high-profile missteps and what constitutes appropriate leadership behavior in major tournaments and ceremonies. For many observers, the case highlighted the ongoing need for clear codes of conduct and consistent enforcement to protect players, fans, and the sport’s integrity. In related developments, members of Rubiales’s family and close associates were noted in discussions of the evolving narrative, underscoring the personal dimension that often accompanies public controversies in international athletics.