In a noteworthy development, a FIFA committee, responsible for imposing a three-year ban on former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales from football, disclosed that it had deliberated the possibility of even more stringent penalties.
The ban, enforced in October, stemmed from Rubiales’ deemed “inexcusable” behavior during the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales, aged 46, faced disciplinary action for a controversial incident during the medal ceremony, where he kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England. The committee, in providing the rationale behind its decision, underscored that it had considered imposing harsher sanctions, expressing dissatisfaction with Rubiales’ actions.
Furthermore, Rubiales was observed making an inappropriate gesture by grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s triumph. Despite his resignation in September, ending weeks of resistance to stepping down, the FIFA disciplinary committee found his conduct during and after the match to be “inexcusable and unacceptable.”
The committee emphasized that, given Rubiales’ prominent position within the football hierarchy at the time, he was expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, particularly during a pivotal moment for women’s football in his country.
In the comprehensive grounds outlined by the committee, the reasons for Rubiales’ three-year ban were delineated, highlighting the breach of expected professional conduct, especially considering his influential role within the football ecosystem.
