Spain’s soccer federation president Luis Rubiales has announced plans to appeal a fine imposed by the UEFA disciplinary committee related to his controversial kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso during last year’s Women’s World Cup celebrations.
Rubiales received an eight-game suspension and a €20,000 fine after FIFA’s ethics panel found his action—pressing his lips on Hermoso’s lips without consent—to be a violation of the sport’s rules on personal dignity. The episode sparked widespread criticism from players, fans, and political leaders, prompting ongoing discussion about respect and conduct in professional sports.
In a statement, Rubiales expressed strong disagreement with the committee’s findings, insisting the kiss was “spontaneous and mutual,” and blaming media bias for inflating the incident. He announced that his legal team will pursue a formal appeal, arguing procedural irregularities and a lack of consideration for his intent. Rubiales maintained he acted in celebration, not malice.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has also signaled its support for the appeal. Spokespersons stressed that due process must be respected and that the appeal reflects a broader commitment to fairness and governance reforms within the league.
The case has kept gender equity and consent policies in sports under intense public scrutiny. While clubs and fans await the outcome of Rubiales’s appeal, many players’ groups are calling for stricter accountability measures to safeguard professional athletes’ rights and ethical standards.
A UEFA appeals panel is expected to review Rubiales’s challenge in the coming months.
With input from Al Jazeera
