FIFA suspends the head of the women’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales after a forcibly kissing a player during the Women’s World Cup

FIFA on Saturday suspended the head of Spain’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, following allegations that he forcibly kissed a player during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.

Many of the top national team players who likely would have been on the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad had already refused to play for Spain’s coach, Jorge Vilda, who was booed after the team’s win.

On Friday, she put out her own statement. I felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression, an impulsive, sexist, out-of-place act and without any consent on my part. Simply, I was not respected,” she wrote.

The kiss, broadcast live around the world, took place on Sunday after Spain had won its first ever Women’s World Cup in Sydney. During the ceremony for the medal, Rubiales hugged the star forward and held his hand up. He then pulled her head toward his face and planted a kiss on her lips — which Hermoso later said she did not give consent to.

Federation Vice President Rafael del Amo, who had been in charge of Spain’s women’s soccer program, and two others announced their resignations, the Associated Press reports, but Rubiales held firm.

In a statement, Spain’s World Cup squad and many other players said they wouldn’t play again if the current leaders weren’t removed.

“We want to end this statement asking for real changes, both sporting and structural, that help the National Team to continue growing, in order to transfer this great success to later generations. The players said in the statement that the event was tarnishing the greatest success sport in Spanish women’s soccer.

“He fully trusts FIFA and reiterates that, in this way, he is given the opportunity to begin his defense so that the truth prevails and his complete innocence is proven,” the federation said in a statement.

The governing body wrote that it condemns behaviour to the contrary and reiterates its respect for the integrity of all.