By Victor Kanayo
World football governing body, FIFA, has announced a provisional suspension of under fire Spanish Football President Luis Rubiales for 90 days.
This was disclosed by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee after days of backlash following his forced kiss controversy.
While presentation was handed to players who won the Women’s World Cup for the first time, Rubiales who leads Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) grabbed player Jenni Hermoso’s head and ‘forcefully’ kissed her on the lips.
FIFA Hammer
However, In a statement on Saturday, FIFA said, “The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level.
“The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and (European soccer body) UEFA for due compliance.”
Its disciplinary committee also ordered Rubiales and RFEF officials and employees alike to refrain from contacting or attempting to contact Hermoso or those around her.
According to Reuters, the committee said it would not provide any further information on the disciplinary proceedings until a final decision was taken.
Defiant Rubiales
Rubiales had been expected to announce his resignation on Friday but instead said he would not step down.
He also threatened legal action to defend him after Hermoso said she did not consent to the kiss he gave her.
Players’ Strike
The Spanish national team that won the World Cup as well as several other players have said they would not play international matches while Rubiales remains head of the federation.
