The Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA for 90 days for his unsolicited kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso.
The suspension comes after FIFA launched disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales following the incident, which took place following the country’s Women’s World Cup final victory in July.
Rubiales has refused to resign, despite growing pressure to do so, and the Spanish Government has filed a complaint with Spain’s Administrative Sports Court (TAD) seeking his removal.
The suspension has led to widespread condemnation from the Spanish football community, with 11 members of the Spain women’s team’s staff resigning in protest.
LaLiga teams have also shown their support for Hermoso, with Cadiz players posing with a banner saying “We are all Jenni” and Sevilla’s players wearing t-shirts with the slogan “It’s over.”
The TAD is due to meet on Thursday to consider the case, and if it finds that Rubiales has a case to answer, the CSD will then be able to proceed with his suspension.
The feminist group ‘Feminismos Madrid’ has called a protest in the centre of the Spanish capital on Monday evening in support of Hermoso and her Spain teammates.
Key points:
- FIFA has suspended RFEF president Luis Rubiales for 90 days for his unsolicited kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso.
- Rubiales has refused to resign, despite growing pressure to do so.
- The Spanish Government has filed a complaint with Spain’s Administrative Sports Court (TAD) seeking his removal.
- The suspension has led to widespread condemnation from the Spanish football community.
- LaLiga teams have also shown their support for Hermoso.
- The TAD is due to meet on Thursday to consider the case.
Expert analysis:
- The suspension of Rubiales is a significant development in the case, and it will be interesting to see how the TAD rules.
- If the TAD finds that Rubiales has a case to answer, it could lead to his permanent removal from office.
- The case has also highlighted the issue of sexism in football, and it is important that the TAD sends a strong message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.
