Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish football association, has been suspended by Fifa.
Fifa’s Disciplinary Committee said he will be suspended from “all football-related activities at national and international level” for an initial period of 90 days following his conduct at the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney last weekend.
“The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the national soccer team player Ms Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary proceedings before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 FDC) by which he orders Mr Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment,” a statement from Fifa added.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigor any behavior to the contrary.”
Earlier on Saturday, the Spanish FA said it will take legal action over Jenni Hermoso’s comments about its president.
In protest against the Spanish football chief, 11 members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching team resigned and criticised Rubiales’ comments. They also said his account “does not reflect” the events which followed Spain’s win.
Hermoso said on Friday she did not consent to be kissed by Rubiales, in a statement by players’ union Futpro in which she said “in no case did I seek to raise (lift) the president”.
But the Spanish federation has questioned her version of events and said: “The evidence is conclusive. Mr President has not lied.”
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said: "The RFEF and Mr President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself.
“The RFEF and the President, given the seriousness of the content of the press release from the Futpro union, will initiate the corresponding legal actions.”
On Friday, 81 players confirmed they will not play for Spain’s women’s team until Rubiales is removed from his post.
Despite sparking outrage within and outside of Spain, Rubiales refused to resign during a meeting on Friday.
“I will not resign,” Rubiales repeated four times in quick succession at the meeting before blaming “false feminists” for making him the victim of a “social assassination”.
