Luis Rubiales, the former head of the Spanish soccer federation, was banned by FIFA from the sport on Monday for a period of three years. This penalty was imposed as a result of his kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations of Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph.
source : NBC NEWS
FIFA stated in a statement that Rubiales, 46, had violated article 13 of the code of conduct of the soccer governing organization, which forbids officials and players from acting in a way that goes against the ideals of “fair play, loyalty, and integrity.” This includes acting in a manner that denigrates FIFA or the sport, disrespecting someone with crude gestures or words, and breaking the fundamental laws of decency.
“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld,” the statement said.
In August, Rubiales embraced and kissed Hermoso while he was giving out gold medals to the players after their 1-0 victory against England in Sydney. “Spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual” was how he put the kiss. Hermoso, however, claimed that she felt “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression” and that she did not agree to it.
Rubiales received backlash for the gesture from government politicians and the media, with some calling it inappropriate and a privacy violation.
According to a statement from FIFA, Rubiales was first barred from “all football-related activities at national and international level” for a period of 90 days. According to the statement, he and officials from the Royal Spanish Football Federation were also told not to get in touch with Hermoso or anybody associated with her.
On September 10, Rubiales announced his resignation as president of the Spanish soccer federation due to the scandal’s effects on other individuals in his life.
In a special interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales stated, “My father, my daughters, I spoke with them.” “They told Luis that he must now prioritize maintaining his dignity and living his life, as failing to do so will cause harm to the people and sport he cherishes.”
Spanish state prosecutors have launched an investigation against Rubiales for alleged acts of coercion and sexual assault; they officially filed a complaint against him on September 8. Rubiales may be sentenced to one to four years in jail or a fine if proven guilty. A restraining order imposed by a court forbids him from going within 200 meters of Hermoso, 33.
A major development in the world of football occurred when FIFA awarded a three-year suspension to Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish soccer association. Following a contentious incident in which Rubiales kissed star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during Spain’s celebrations following their Women’s World Cup victory, the player was banned. A significant discussion about consent, sportsmanship, and acceptable conduct in the soccer community has been triggered by this event.
FIFA decided to suspend players for violating Article 13 of the code of conduct, which makes it very plain that officials and players are not allowed to behave in a way that goes against the principles of “fair play, loyalty, and integrity.” This includes any actions that disparage FIFA or the sport, show disdain for specific people by using offensive language or gestures, or violate basic standards of decency. FIFA found that Rubiales’ acts violated these standards in this particular instance.
The alleged event happened in August when Rubiales gave Jenni Hermoso a hug and a kiss when presenting the team the gold medals after their 1-0 victory against England in Sydney. In contrast to Rubiales, who characterized the kiss as “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual,” Hermoso claimed to be “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression” and to have not given her permission. This difference of opinions sparked a firestorm of condemnation, with lawmakers in the government and the media denouncing the conduct as improper and violating Hermoso’s privacy.
FIFA acted quickly and decisively in reaction to the issue. Initially, Luis Rubiales was banned for ninety days from all national and international football-related activity. Moreover, he and representatives of the Royal Spanish Football Federation were forbidden from getting in touch with Hermoso or anyone connected to her. These actions were taken in response to worries about possible harassment or reprisal.
In September, Rubiales announced his retirement as head of the Spanish soccer organization, citing the ongoing controversy. He clarified in an interview with Piers Morgan that the effect the controversy was having on the people in his life—especially his family—had an impact on his choice. Rubiales said that his first concern was to keep his composure and proceed since not doing so would be detrimental to the people who are dear to him as well as the sport he loves.
Beyond FIFA’s fines, this episode has had further repercussions. After formally submitting a complaint against Rubiales in early September, state prosecutors in Spain have begun an investigation into claims of coercion and sexual assault. He can be sentenced to one to four years in prison or a fine if proven guilty. Additionally, he is prohibited from coming within 200 meters of Jenni Hermoso by a restraining order.
To sum up, the FIFA suspension on Luis Rubiales and the ensuing legal probe highlight how crucial it is to preserve integrity, fair play, and respect in the football community. The event has sparked conversations on consent and proper conduct in sports, underscoring the need of raising awareness and understanding of these topics. It serves as a reminder that behavior in the sports industry has broad ramifications and need to adhere to the strictest codes of ethics.
