FIFA Suspends Spanish FA Chief Rubiales Over Hermoso Kiss

“A social assassination is taking place,” the 46-year-old added.

suspended embattled Spanish Football Association president, Luis Rubiales, after he refused to resign for “forcibly” kissing footballer Jennifer Hermoso in Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England last week.

“We (FIFA) decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level,” the statement said. “Suspension effective ‘for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales.”

The suspension came only two days after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings into Rubiales’ conduct during the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup at the Stadium Australia. He was also alleged to have grabbed his crotch while celebrating in the VIP area with Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter standing nearby.

At an extraordinary congress called by the Spanish football association, Rubiales said he was not going to resign from his position despite pressure from the public, stating he is ready to fight the “social assassination” against him.

“I will not resign, I will not resign,” Rubiales told an extraordinary general assembly called by the Spanish federation, where he was expected to resign from his position. “A social assassination is taking place,” the 46-year-old added.