FIFA Suspends Spain’s Football Chief Luis Rubiales Over Jenni Hermoso Kiss

Eko Hot Blog reports that FIFA, the world’s top football governing body, has provisionally suspended Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, from “all football-related activities” amid a row over his kiss with Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso.

The association said Rubiales was initially suspended for 90 days and also said that neither Rubiales or the Spanish football federation were allowed to contact Hermoso.

FIFA said further information would be provided when disciplinary proceedings had been concluded.

Rubiales had kissed Hermoso on her lips during Spain’s celebrations after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup last Sunday.

However, the player later came out to say the kiss was non-consensual.

In a statement on Friday night, the 33-year-old forward said “in no moment” did she consent to the kiss.

The statement read: “I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out of place act without any consent on my part.

“I want to make it clear that at no time did the conversation to which Mr. Luis Rubiales refers to in his address take place, and, above all, was his kiss ever consensual. I want to reiterate as I did before that I did not like this incident.”

Dozens of Spanish football players have said they would not play another match for the national team until Rubiales and the current leaders of the Spanish Football Federation leave their positions.

The suspended football chief has denied any wrongdoing, resisting calls for his resignation.

In a statement reacting to Hermoso’s comments, Spain’s football federation accused the player of lying, threatening legal action.

“Mr President’s feet are ostensibly lifted from the ground as a result of the player’s action,” the statement said.

“The tests are conclusive. Mr President has not lied.

“The RFEF and Mr President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself.”

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