FIFA suspends Spanish federation president after kiss in World Cup final

FIFA suspended Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales on Saturday from all football-related activities for three months as it investigates allegations of a non-consensual kiss on the lips of player Jennifer Hermoso after Spain won the World Cup.

The suspension of domestic and international activities takes effect immediately, world football’s governing body said in a statement on the decision taken by the head of its disciplinary committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio.

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Thursday for his actions last Sunday in Sydney. Rubiales said he will defend himself to prove his “total innocence”.

Rubiales, 46, took a defiant tone towards the kiss – condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her teammates and the Spanish government – claiming it was consensual. Last Saturday, the federation he led said it would stay by his side.

Feminist groups demonstrated this Saturday in Madrid, Santander and Logrono demanding her resignation.

Rubiales refused to resign on Friday, seeking to defend his behavior and saying the kiss was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual.”

Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss and felt “vulnerable and the victim of an assault”.

Source: Terra

Rose

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