By: Sandipan Ghosh Image credit: X
FIFA has finally come with the verdict on Ex-UEFA Vice President Luis Rubiales' forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso during the award ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Final.
On August 20, 2023, Stadium Australia, Sydney, hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Final between Spain and England, where Spain Women won their first WWC title after winning the final by 1-0.
During the award ceremony after that final, then UEFA Vice President and Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) President, Luis Rubiales forcefully kissed on the lips of Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso.
Hermoso felt disrespected by that incident while the majority of global soccer supported her. Even the Spanish government criticized Rubiales, and some members demanded his resignation.
After apologizing for that incident, Rubiales defended himself by saying that the kiss was mutual and consensual. While he refused to resign from his posts, it triggered a massive boycott of the team.
On August 26, FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days. Later, Rubiales finally resigned under pressure from the posts of UEFA Vice President and RFEF President.
Later, the Spanish government and the Spanish soccer federation were successful in ending the players' boycott of the women's national team by promising a better atmosphere for women's soccer.
Now, FIFA has banned Luis Rubiales for three years from all soccer-related activities at national and international levels. Rubiales breached the article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
“What Does That Mean?” – Marcus Jordan and Larsa Pippen Divided Over Luis Rubiales’ Controversial Kiss on Jenni Hermoso