Well then: According to consistent media reports, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has suspended Spain’s association president Luis Rubiales (46) for the time being “from all football-related activities at national and international level,” quoted “Sky News”. The suspension takes effect immediately (August 26) and is initially for 90 days. During this time, they want to examine the potential further disciplinary steps against Rubiales.
Rubiales caused a real scandal when he kissed the Spanish soccer player Jennifer Hermoso (33) on the mouth at the award ceremony after winning the World Cup. Women’s rights activists reacted outraged, spoke of “sexual violence” and demanded severe consequences. Even the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (51) criticized: “What we saw is unacceptable.” FIFA then announced that it would initiate disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales.
The announcement of Rubiales’ suspension follows an open letter from the Spanish world champions. In it, numerous footballers expressed their solidarity with Hermoso and called for the appointment to the Spanish national team to be rejected until Spain’s federation president was removed from office. It is not yet clear whether Rubiales’ temporary suspension will be enough to avert this strike.
Numerous women footballers have already signed the call for a national team strike – including the entire 23-strong squad that won the world championship against England on August 20th. Over 50 other people have also agreed to stay away from the national team until Rubiales faces real consequences.
Hermoso asserts that “Mr Luis Rubiales’ words to explain the unspeakable incident are categorically false”. She wanted to make it clear that “his kiss was never consensual”.
