FIFA Bans Former Spanish Soccer Federation President Luis Rubiales for Three Years for Misconduct at Women’s World Cup Final

FIFA has handed down a three-year ban to former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for misconduct at the Women’s World Cup final. Rubiales was found to have violated article 13 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, which prevents players and officials from actions that violate the principles of “fair play, loyalty and integrity.”

The incident in question occurred during the trophy ceremony of the Women’s World Cup, when Rubiales forcibly kissed star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips. FIFA did not provide details of the verdict reached by its disciplinary committee judges, who had investigated the charges relating to “basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.”

The ban is the latest punishment handed down by FIFA in response to the incident. Rubiales, 46, was removed from his post as president of the Spanish soccer federation in July.

The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of Rubiales’ behavior and the need for more stringent regulations to protect players from such inappropriate conduct. It has also raised questions about the role of FIFA in enforcing its disciplinary code and ensuring that players and officials are held to a higher standard of conduct.

FIFA’s decision to ban Rubiales from the sport for three years is a clear indication that it takes such matters seriously and is committed to upholding the principles of “fair play, loyalty and integrity” in the sport.