Sport’s highest court dismisses Rubiales’ appeal against 3-year ban from soccer
FIFA Upholds Ban on Luis Rubiales for Kissing Spain Player Jenni Hermoso
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld the ban imposed by FIFA on former Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales for kissing Spain player Jenni Hermoso after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. The decision by the panel at sport’s highest court comes after Rubiales’s appeal was dismissed, affirming the three-year ban from the sport.
Following the ban, Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Hermoso and was ordered to pay fines exceeding 10,000 euros. In addition, he was prohibited from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for a year. These strict measures were put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of Hermoso.
The ban imposed by FIFA in October 2023 prevented Rubiales from working in soccer until after the men’s 2026 World Cup. The Court of Arbitration for Sport stated that Rubiales’s actions at the Women’s World Cup final constituted multiple and serious violations of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The panel saw no reason to consider the sanction as disproportionate, affirming that the punishment was reasonable and proportional.
Despite the appeal being dismissed, Rubiales remains adamant in his innocence and maintains that his actions were misinterpreted. However, the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport stands, and Rubiales must abide by the consequences of his actions.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of professionalism and respect in the world of sports. It highlights the need for clear boundaries and appropriate behavior, especially when it comes to interactions between individuals in positions of power and athletes.
As the soccer community continues to strive for equality and inclusivity, incidents like this emphasize the work that still needs to be done to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all participants. FIFA’s decision to uphold the ban on Rubiales sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the world of sports.
