'Kiss-gate' scandal: FIFA bans Spain football president ​Luis Rubiales for three years

Luis Rubiales, former Spanish FA president, has been banned for three years over striker Jenni Hermoso kissing scandal. The the 46-year-old former UEFA vice-president cannot be involved in any football-related activities until at least 2026 after the ban imposed on him by FIFA.

On August 20, Rubiales kissed the player during the post-match celebration following Spain's 1-0 victory over England in Sydney World Cup Final. Hermoso confirmed after the incident that the kiss was not consensual..

Rubiales faced widespread criticism with many, including the Spanish government, calling for a resignation.


FIFA, in a statement released on Monday, said that the football body has found Rubiales guilty of breaching the article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," the statement read.

"This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on 20 August 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days. Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com," it further read.

Rubiales, meanwhile, can file an appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee within 10 days.

"The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee. FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld," the statement further said.

The three-year ban on Rubiales come at a time the Spanish striker is vying a return to her home team. Hermoso has not represented her country since the victory against England.