FIFA suspends Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales for kissing Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
Luis Rubiales, who was also chastised for grabbing his crotch after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday, remained defiant despite immense pressure to resign. The kiss marred the title celebrations in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, and criticism has steadily mounted.
Hermoso issued a statement Friday strongly rebuking Rubiales’ characterization of the kiss as consensual, while the 46-year-old federation president cast himself as the victim at an emergency general assembly of the federation in Madrid.
He grabbed player Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England last Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
FIFA said it had suspended Mr 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 against Mr Rubiales.
The decision by FIFA came amid an escalating row.
Spain’s football federation has stood by its president, who says the kiss was consensual, and threatened legal action to defend him.
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