Rubiales Fined €120,000 by FIFA for Unwanted Kiss on Jenni Hermoso

MADRID, SPAIN – FIFA has announced a hefty fine of €120,000 against Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for his unsolicited kiss on player Jenni Hermoso during the Women's World Cup final celebrations. The decision, delivered on Thursday, marks a significant development in the ongoing scandal that has rocked Spanish football and sparked international outrage.

The punishment, while substantial, has been met with mixed reactions. While many hail it as a necessary step towards accountability, others argue it falls short of the severe sanctions some had called for, including Rubiales’ outright expulsion from football. FIFA’s disciplinary committee found Rubiales guilty of violating Article 13, paragraph 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which relates to "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play."

The incident, which occurred during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory over England, showed Rubiales grabbing Hermoso's head and kissing her on the lips. The action immediately sparked widespread condemnation, with Hermoso herself initially downplaying the incident in statements released shortly after, which she later claimed were influenced by pressure from the RFEF.

Subsequently, Hermoso filed a formal complaint against Rubiales with the Spanish authorities. Her statement to the prosecutor’s office detailed her feelings of vulnerability and discomfort, directly contradicting the RFEF’s initial narrative that the kiss was consensual. The Spanish government also launched its own investigation into Rubiales’ conduct, with the Ministry of Culture and Sport urging FIFA to take swift action.

The FIFA ruling prohibits Rubiales from all football-related activities at both national and international levels for a period of 90 days, a suspension that was initially imposed by the organization in August. This suspension has effectively sidelined him from the RFEF and prevented his participation in any football-related events.

Despite the fine and suspension, the controversy surrounding Rubiales continues. The RFEF has been embroiled in internal power struggles, with numerous officials resigning in protest against Rubiales' actions and the federation's handling of the situation. The Spanish women's national team players have also collectively refused to play until significant changes are made within the RFEF's leadership.

The long-term impact of this scandal remains to be seen. The FIFA decision serves as a clear condemnation of Rubiales’ behaviour, setting a precedent for future instances of misconduct within the world of football. However, the ongoing legal proceedings in Spain and the sustained calls for reform within the RFEF suggest that this case will continue to dominate headlines for the foreseeable future. The focus now shifts to the outcomes of the Spanish legal proceedings and the ultimate fate of Rubiales and the RFEF leadership. The incident has ignited a crucial conversation about power dynamics, consent, and the need for greater accountability within the sporting world.