Luis Rubiales moves towards football return as FIFA suspension enters final days

Three years after the kiss that shook world football and transformed the future of the Spanish game, Luis Rubiales is approaching the end of his FIFA suspension and will soon be legally free to resume football-related activity.

The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) was banned by FIFA after his conduct during the celebrations following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England in Australia and New Zealand on 20 August 2023.

That triumph, achieved while Rubiales was leading the Spanish federation, was overshadowed by his behaviour in the VIP area and his decision to kiss Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony.

According to Diario AS, FIFA initially suspended Rubiales on 26 August 2023. The governing body later imposed a three-year ban for “abusive behaviour and violating the principles of fair play during the Women’s World Cup final”.

The sanction prevents him from taking part in any football-related activity at national or international level. It is due to expire officially on 26 August, bringing one of the most high-profile disciplinary cases in recent football history to the final stage of its FIFA process.

However, the FIFA punishment was not the only sanction imposed on Rubiales.

The Spanish Administrative Sports Tribunal (TAD) delivered a separate ruling on 15 November 2023. It imposed an 18-month suspension over the kiss, as well as another 18-month punishment relating to his conduct in the VIP area, including touching his genitals.

That penalty applies specifically to holding any position within the national federation and is scheduled to remain in force until November 2026.

Rubiales also faced criminal proceedings at the National Court in San Fernando de Henares. The trial attracted widespread media attention and concluded that the kiss had not been consensual.

He was found guilty of sexual assault and ordered to pay a fine of €10,800. The court also directed him to pay €3,000 in civil compensation to the victim. He was acquitted of coercion.

Rubiales remains listed as a suspect in the so-called Spanish Super Cup case, which is still being investigated.

During his suspension, Rubiales broke his silence through his book Kill Rubiales, in which he defended his position. More recently, he has made a series of media appearances to discuss contentious issues, including the 2030 World Cup, which he strongly supported during his time as federation president, as well as Spanish domestic politics and FIFA-related matters.

Rubiales has said in several interviews that his present priority is to “work and earn a living”. He has also insisted that he does not currently intend to return to football.

Nevertheless, the expiry of the FIFA ban will reopen the legal possibility of involvement in the sport. Whether Rubiales chooses to use that opportunity will ultimately be his decision.