Title: Hewitt Accuses Rubiales of Inappropriate Behavior Amid FIFA Ban
In a recent report, England's Football Association (FA) President Debbie Hewitt has accused former Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales of inappropriate behavior towards English players during the Women's World Cup medal ceremony. This allegation comes in support of FIFA's three-year ban imposed on Rubiales due to his abusive behavior towards Spanish world champion Jennifer Hermoso, including an unwanted kiss.
According to Hewitt, Rubiales allegedly grabbed and caressed England player Laura Coombs' face, which she found unusual as per FIFA protocol. Subsequently, Hewitt claims, he forcefully kissed Lucy Bronze on the face.
Rubiales Denies Additional Accusations and Contests Ban
Rubiales, in his defense, alleged that Hewitt was biased against him. He also claimed that several handshakes Hewitt extended to players could be interpreted as "violent, non-consensual physical contact." Portraying Hewitt's behavior as hypocritical, Rubiales argued that he had violated the FIFA Disciplinary Code provisions with his actions following the Women's World Cup final, which took place on August 20 in Sydney between Spain and England.
Rubiales expressed his intention to take legal action against the ban and maintained that the kiss with Hermoso was consensual. In addition, he is under investigation in Spain, and experts predict a potential prison sentence of up to four years.
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In a groundbreaking legal development, Luis Rubiales was found guilty of kissing Jennifer Hermoso without her consent during the Women's World Cup medal ceremony. On February 20, 2025, Spain's High Court fined him more than €10,000 (£8,276.70) and prohibited him from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius or communicating with her for a year. However, he was acquitted of coercion charges. The court case commenced on February 3, 2025, with charges of sexual assault and coercion, with prosecutors initially seeking a prison term and €50,000 in damages.
