Soccer Drama: Rubiales Faces Allegations and Sanctions
Debbie Hewitt, the president of the English Football Association (FA), has new accusations against Spain's ex-FA boss, Luis Rubiales. The allegations come following a FIFA ruling banning Rubiales for three years due to his abusive behavior towards the Spanish world champion Jennifer Hermoso, who he kissed on the mouth without consent.
According to Hewitt, Rubiales displayed inappropriate behavior towards English players during the Women's World Cup medal ceremony. She claims he grabbed and caressed the face of Laura Coombs before kissing Lucy Bronze fiercely. Rubiales, in turn, accused Hewit of being biased, as she had hugged several players who had extended their hands for a handshake. Hewitt's actions were seen as hypocritical, as she described them as "violent, non-consensual physical contact."
Following the controversy, Rubiales violated Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by his immediate actions after the World Cup final on August 20, 20XX, between Spain and England. He has announced his intention to challenge his ban. Rubiales maintains that the kiss with Hermoso was consensual. He is also under investigation in Spain, with potential prison sentences of up to four years.
Insights from Enrichment Data
Recent developments in the case against Rubiales have led to a guilty verdict, a fine, and a one-year ban from approaching Hermoso or communicating with her within 200 meters. Rubiales also faces a three-year ban from participating in football-related activities at both domestic and international levels.
Rubiales' legal troubles are not limited to the soccer world. He is under investigation by Spain's Prosecution Ministry for potential sexual assault and coercion charges. Separately, Rubiales was arrested on corruption charges as part of Operation Brody. In 2025, it was revealed that Rubiales would face trial in Madrid over the incident involving Jenni Hermoso.
New Revelations and Responses
Despite the ongoing controversy, Rubiales expressed his intent to attend the upcoming Women's World Cup final in Zurich as a guest of the Spanish team. In response to Hewitt's allegations, Rubiales pointed out that he had kissed Hermoso's cheek during the medal ceremony in England, which was not considered a violation.
The Switzerland-based FIFA headquarters is still investigating the kiss scandal, as well as the incident with England's Laura Coombs and Lucy Bronze. Spain's women's soccer team has shown support for Rubiales, with star player Jennifer Herrmoso claiming that he had never acted inappropriately towards her during their time together on the national team.
During a press conference in Zurich, Rubiales reiterated his intention to challenge his FIFA ban, citing his love for soccer and his desire to continue contributing to the sport, particularly in women's soccer.
