30 October 2023 , 17:38
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Controversial former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has stated he will appeal his ban from all football-related activity imposed by FIFA.
Rubiales was hit with the three-year ban on Monday by the world governing body, after kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso during the Women's World Cup final medal ceremony.
The 46-year-old grabbed the striker during the post-match celebrations after their 1-0 win against England. Hermoso confirmed the kiss was not consensual, with the incident garnering widespread criticism as Rubiales faced calls to resign - including from the Spanish government.
He was expected to leave by holding a press conference the following week, but instead launched into a bizarre tirade by reaffirming his intention to remain in post. Rubiales eventually resigned and was initially handed a 90-day provisional suspension by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
But hours after FIFA officially announced Rubiales would be unable to work within the game until at least 2026, the former president said, via social media, he will appeal the punishment. Concluding a lengthy statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Rubiales wrote: “I will go to the last resort so that justice is done and the truth shines through.
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"Due to the many efforts of some politicians, media and intuitions, the disproportion and injustice committed is becoming increasingly clear."
Rubiales first confirmed his resignation last month during a sit down interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV. At the time of that broadcast he posted out a link to an official statement on X, along with the words: "I will defend my honorability. I will defend my innocence. I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thank you all."
Luis Rubiales originally refused to resign following the incident (Getty Images)What are your thoughts on Rubiales' ban? Share your response in the comments below
FIFA had already confirmed his ban from the game hours before Rubiales' post.. A statement on Monday read: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
"This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on 20 August 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.
"Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com.
"The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee. FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld."
Rubiales ally and former Spain team manager Jorge Vilda also left in the aftermath of the scandal, sacked by the federation. But he has since returned to football as the head coach of Morocco women.
News of Rubiales' ban comes only days after Hermoso enjoyed a dream return to international football. The forward came off the bench to score an 89th minute for the World Champions, as they beat Italy 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday.
Players in the men's side - including Borja Iglesias and former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin - stated they would not play for the country in support of their compatriots. Meanwhile, his mum, Angeles Bejar, staunchly defended Rubiales and even went on a hunger strike by locking herself in a local church.
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