Spanish FA president suspended by FIFA pending investigation to Women's World Cup conduct

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA after his behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final and in the aftermath.

The world football governing body has suspended Rubiales from any football-related activities for an initial period of 90 says, and forbidden him or any Spanish FA employees from contacting Jenni Hermoso while an investigation is carried out.

Rubiales drew widespread criticism for kissing Spain player Jenni Hermoso during the celebrations after the match, with Hermosos insisting she did not consent.

The Spanish official then refused to resign, claiming that claiming that he was the victim of a witch hunt and blaming “false feminism”. His remarks were applauded by the team’s manager Jorge Vilda and FA members.

Hermoso has accused the Spanish Federation of “a manipulative, hostile and controlling culture” and 81 players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, has said that they will not represent their country while Rubiales remains in post.

That prompted the Spanish FA to threaten legal action against Hermoso and others “in defence of the honourability of the President of the RFEF”.

FIFA had already stated that it was investigating Rubiales but has now ordered him to step away form his position until the inquiry is complete.

A statement read: “The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24.

“Likewise, 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.

“Likewise, the RFEF and its officials or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment.

“The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance.

“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.”