Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain’s soccer federation, has been suspended by FIFA for 90 days while the organization investigates his conduct at the Women’s World Cup Final, according to the Associated Press.
That conduct included kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory.
Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss, prompting Rubiales to face significant pressure from the Spanish government, players and various soccer clubs in the country to resign.
He has refused to do so and argued that the kiss was consensual. As part of his refusal to resign he added:
“I’ve come under a lot of pressure. Perhaps somebody will look to remove me on Monday. But we live in a country of laws. Is a consensual kiss enough to remove me? I’m going to fight until the end. I hope the law is followed, and that as there’s no reason to [remove me], it won’t happen.”
The players on the team have said they will no longer compete for the team as long as Rubiales is in charge of the Spain soccer federation. It is unknown whether or not he will be replaced, or if FIFA’s sanctions will spark any change in the situation.
Spain won the Women’s World Cup by defeating England, 1-0, in the championship game.
But the conduct from Rubiales, which included the kiss of Hermoso and him grabbing his groin area, ended up overshadowing the team’s victory.
It also remains to be seen what else FIFA’s investigation will reveal and whether or not it will lead to further sanctions against Rubiales.
