CNN —FIFA has provisionally suspended Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, from “all football-related activities” over his kiss with Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso.
Hermoso said the kiss was unwanted and she and the entire World Cup-winning squad have refused to play while Rubiales remains president.
Rubiales said the kiss was consensual and the federation has been sticking by him, threatening legal action against Hermoso and others.
World soccer’s governing body FIFA said Rubiales was initially suspended for 90 days and banned Rubiales and the Spanish football federation from contacting Hermoso, who described refusing requests to issue a statement to “alleviate the pressure” on Rubiales.
While addressing the assembly for nearly 30 minutes, he described the kiss as “mutual” and spoke of “unjust” campaigns and “fake feminism,” sparking further criticism.
Persons:
Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Rubiales, Hermoso, Hermos, “, ” Rubiales, ”, Pedro Sánchez
Organizations:
CNN, FIFA, Spain, Spanish, Hermoso, England, Spain’s, ” CNN, UEFA
Locations:
Spanish, Rubiales, Sydney, Australia, Hermoso