FIFA Suspends Luis Rubiales Amid Investigation for Forced Kiss on Jennifer Hermoso

FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, has suspended Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain’s soccer federation, following allegations that he forcibly kissed player Jennifer Hermoso after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. FIFA has provisionally suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities for a period of 90 days. The suspension also includes a directive for Rubiales and the soccer federation to avoid any contact with Hermoso. The decision comes after Spain’s soccer federation initially supported Rubiales and threatened legal action against those questioning his actions. The incident has brought attention to sexism scandals in Spanish soccer and has prompted calls for Rubiales to step down. Numerous football players, clubs, and politicians have condemned Rubiales’ behavior, and several members of the women’s team coaching staff have resigned. Spain’s top sporting body has filed a formal complaint against Rubiales, accusing him of abusing his authority and violating public sports decorum. Spain’s soccer federation has defended Rubiales, claiming that Hermoso distorted reality. However, many have criticized both Rubiales’ actions and the federation’s response, highlighting a history of accusations of misogyny in Spanish soccer.