Fifa provisionally suspend Luis Rubiales from all football activity

Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended from all football activity for an initial 90 days by Fifa with the Spanish football federation apologising for the ‘enormous damage’ caused by his actions.

The president of the Spanish FA faced widespread criticism after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s World Cup final victory over England. Hermoso repeatedly insisted the kiss was not consensual with Rubiales refusing to step down from his position.

Fifa Investigation

The 46-year-old has now been provisionally suspended for an initial 90 days while Fifa investigates his conduct at last month’s final in Sydney. The RFEF [Royal Spanish Football Federation] have also released a statement, distancing themselves from Rubiales and promising major changes at the top of the organisation.

Jorde Vilda, head coach of the Spanish Women’s side, has also been sacked having been heavily criticised for his support of Rubiales. The 42-year-old was informed of his dismissal on Tuesday morning with official confirmation expected imminently.

‘The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values of football and sport as a whole have been enormous,’ read a statement from the new acting president of the Spanish federation, Pedro Rocha.

‘Mr Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values of Spanish society as a whole. His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice.

‘To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused.’

Spanish Men’s Team Speak Out

Their statement followed an impromptu press conference called by the Spanish men’s team on Monday, where striker Alvaro Morata read out a message on behalf of the squad.

‘We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behaviour from Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents. We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents.

‘Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behaviour both on and off the field.’

Conclusion

Fifa have taken decisive action against Luis Rubiales following his controversial actions at last month’s Women’s World Cup Final. The Spanish Football Federation have distanced themselves from Rubiales and apologised for the ‘enormous damage’ caused by his actions. The Spanish men’s team have also spoken out against Rubiales’ behaviour, condemning it as ‘unacceptable’. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.