Who is Luis Rubiales and what happened with Jenni Hermoso?
LUIS RUBIALES was banned from national and international football activities for three years at the end of October 2023 following his actions at the Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales stepped down from his role as Spanish FA chief following a public backlash to his interaction with player Jenni Hermoso and he is now being investigated for alleged sexual assault and coercion.
Why has Luis Rubiales been banned?
Football's world governing body, Fifa, confirmed that Luis Rubiales was banned from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years on October 30, 2023.
He was banned for breaching article 13 of Fifa's disciplinary code, which relates to "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play".
While announcing the ban, Fifa also confirmed in a statement that Rubiales' case "relates to the events that occurred during the final of the Fifa Women’s World Cup on August 20, 2023".
Fifa added that it has "absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld".
Who is Luis Rubiales?
Rubiales is a former football player who was born August 23, 1977, in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.
He played as a defender and represented many Spanish teams throughout his career, including Guadix CF, RCD Mallorca B, UE Lleida, Xerez CD, Levante UD, and Alicante CF.
Rubiales began his career as a Spanish football official in 2010 and was elected as president of the Association of Spanish Footballers.
He went on to become president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, a role which he stepped down from in September 2023.
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What happened with Jenni Hermoso?
Following Spain's win at the 2023 Women's World Cup, Rubiales sparked outrage when he kissed the team's Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
Striker Hermoso lodged a sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General's Office following the incident.
She described the kiss as ''an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part.''
Rubiales was also criticised for grabbing his crotch as he celebrated Spain's World Cup win while the country's Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter, Sofía, were nearby.
In November 2023 it was reported that the judge leading the investigation into Rubiales for alleged sexual assault and coercion had summoned Hermoso to testify in court.
She has been called to testify on November 28.
What has Luis Rubiales said?
Rubiales promised to "defend his innocence" after announcing his resignation.
When news of him stepping down from the Spanish FA broke, Rubiales wrote on social media: "I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence.
"I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth.
"Thanks everyone."
Rubiales took to social media once again following the news of his three-year ban, to state that he will appeal the ban.
"I will go to the last resort to see that justice is done and that the truth shines through," he said.
Is Luis Rubiales married and does he have children?
Rubiales has three daughters named Lucia, Ana and Elena.
The former footballer described his daughters as "strong" in an interview, saying they are "stronger than [him]".
He shares his children with his ex-wife, Spanish lawyer Maria Manuela Delicado Vega.
The former couple's eldest daughter, Lucia, is a History of Art student, while their second, Ana, has been described as an "activist" by her father.
Little is known about Rubiales' third daughter, Elena, who is thought to be around 15 years old as of 2023.
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When does Luis Rubiales' suspension end?
Though Fifa initially gave Rubiales a 90-day suspension following the public backlash at the Women's World Cup final, this was changed to a three-year ban in October 2023.
His suspension is due to end at the end of 2026, meaning it will not be lifted until after the Men's 2026 World Cup.