Former Spanish Soccer Federation President Luis Rubiales Receives 3-Year FIFA Ban For Misconduct At Women's World Cup Final

In a recent development, former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales has been handed a three-year ban by FIFA for his misconduct at the Women's World Cup final. The ban stems from an incident where Rubiales forcibly kissed a player on the lips during the trophy ceremony.

While the details of the verdict were not disclosed by FIFA, the charges relate to violations of "basic rules of decent conduct" and actions that "bring the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute."

This is not the only legal trouble for Rubiales, as he is currently under criminal investigation in Spain for the same incident, involving player Jenni Hermoso. Following Spain's 1-0 victory over England on August 20 in Sydney, Australia, Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips, leading to a restraining order preventing him from contacting her.

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The Women's World Cup final incident was not the only questionable behavior on Rubiales' part. At the final whistle in Sydney, he made a vulgar gesture by grabbing his crotch as a victory celebration while seated in the exclusive section alongside Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year-old Princess Sofía.

FIFA's disciplinary committee judges not only removed Rubiales from office during their investigation but also pointed to a third incident where he carried Spanish player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during post-match celebrations. These actions contributed to his provisional suspension.

Furthermore, there were concerns about witness tampering by Rubiales and his associates, which further justified the interim ban. The ban is now confirmed and extends beyond the upcoming men's World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Rubiales resigned from his positions in soccer in September after facing increasing pressure from the Spanish government and national-team players. He mentioned not wanting to be a distraction from Spain's bid to host the men's 2030 World Cup, a project backed by UEFA and involving Portugal and Morocco. FIFA has since selected this bid as the only candidate to host the 2030 tournament, with the addition of former opponents Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Rubiales has the option to request details of the FIFA disciplinary verdict within 10 days and can file an appeal. If he chooses to do so, a further appeal can be filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

(With Inputs From AP)