Luis Rubiales: FIFA suspends embattled Spanish football chief amid World Cup kiss row
Embattled Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days in the wake of the World Cup kissing row.
The 46-year-old has refused to step down despite mounting pressure from within Spanish football and the government.
He grabbed player Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England last Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
FIFA said it had suspended Mr Rubiales “from all football-related activities at national and international level”.
“This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days”, pending the disciplinary proceedings against Mr Rubiales.
The decision by FIFA came amid an escalating row.
Spain’s football federation has stood by its president, who says the kiss was consensual, and threatened legal action to defend him.