FIFA Bans Former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales for Three Years After Misconduct at Women's World Cup

Rubiales faces investigation in Spain for unsettling incidents at Women's World Cup final including forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso and an inappropriate victory gesture; FIFA's ban extends beyond next men's World Cup in 2026.

FIFA has imposed a three-year ban on former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for misconduct at the Women's World Cup final, where he forcibly kissed player Jenni Hermoso and made inappropriate celebratory actions.
Rubiales is also under criminal investigation in Spain, with Spanish prosecutors having filed a lawsuit against him for alleged sexual assault and coercion.
In addition to the incident with Hermoso, FIFA judges also cited another incident, where Rubiales carried player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during post-match celebrations as part of the reasoning for Rubiales' provisional suspension.
The FIFA ban extends beyond the next Men's World Cup in 2026, effectively excluding Rubiales from participating in major future soccer events.
Rubiales, who had resigned from his positions in soccer including federation presidency and vice presidency of the European soccer body UEFA in September 2023, could still appeal the ban according to FIFA rules.