FIFA confirmed on Friday the three-year ban of former Spanish federation boss Luis Rubiales over his forced kiss of player Jenni Hermoso in August, which sparked international outrage.
• Also read: Forced kiss in Spain: Judge calls for trial against Rubiales
• Also read: Forced kiss “never consented,” testifies Spanish player Jenni Hermoso
“After analyzing the arguments presented to it,” the FIFA Appeals Committee decided to “reject” Luis Rubiales’ appeal and “confirm the sanction “imposed” against him,” the sports federation said in a short press release.
This decision could be the subject of a new appeal “to the Court of Arbitration for Sport”, but explains FIFA, which is determined “to protect the integrity of all people and to ensure that the fundamental rules of good behavior are respected.”
The international football association announced on October 30 that all football-related activities of the former Spanish football strongman had been banned for three years, initially for a provisional period of 90 days.
FIFA specifically accused him of violating Article 13 of its disciplinary code, entitled “Offensive conduct and violation of the principles of fair play”, citing, among other things, “violation of the basic rules of decency” or “conduct damaging to the image of football” .
Luis Rubiales, who since the beginning of the affair denied any “sexual connotation” of his gesture and claimed to have acted under the influence of “feelings” and in “a moment of happiness,” immediately announced his intention to appeal.
FIFA's announcement comes as the Spanish coroner in charge of investigating the case asked on Thursday for the former head of Spanish football to be referred to court on the grounds that the kiss was “not consented”.
This judge, who charged Rubiales with “sexual assault” and “coercion,” does not specify in his order the crimes for which he must be charged, since it is up to the prosecutor to do so before opening a trial.
Since a recent reform of the Spanish penal code, a non-consensual kiss can be considered sexual assault, a crime category that includes all types of sexual violence. According to prosecutors, penalties imposed on Rubiales can range from a fine to four years in prison.
Luis Rubiales' gesture, which took place on August 20, minutes after the women's Roja world crowning in Sydney, sparked international outrage. Under pressure, Mr. Rubiales eventually resigned on September 10, saying he had been the victim of a “disproportionate campaign.”