FA Chair raises allegations of inappropriate conduct by Luis Rubiales towards England players during World Cup final

Debbie Hewitt, chair of the English Football Association (FA), has accused Luis Rubiales of making inappropriate physical contact with England players during the FIFA World Cup final in Australia. The allegations came to light when FIFA released the details of Rubiales' ban from "all football-related activities" for three years, a punishment that was issued in October.

Hewitt, who was standing next to Rubiales at the post-match medal ceremony in August, expressed that his tone had been "unpleasant and unnecessarily aggressive" when told by officials not to move to a more prominent position.

Jenni Hermoso from Pachuca skillfully maneuvers the ball during a thrilling Mexican women's soccer league game against Pumas at the Miguel Hidalgo Stadium in Pachuca, Mexico on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Jennifer Hermoso has reported receiving threats following an unwanted kiss from Luis Rubiales. FIFA reported that Rubiales had acted inappropriately by cupping and stroking the face of English player Laura Coombs, and then forcefully kissing player Lucy Bronze on the face.

Deeply uncomfortable

Hewitt added she "felt deeply uncomfortable and embarrassed" at the way Rubiales greeted the Spanish players, which included tapping one on the bottom.

She observed Rubiales forcefully kissing Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth, leaving her slightly shocked as it was evident to Hewitt that the incident was not consensual. “The aggression and force seemed inappropriate and out of place,” Hewitt added.

Rubiales, 46, had described the kiss as "mutual" - a claim Hermoso denied, saying she did not consent and was not respected.

FA Chair Debbie Hewitt said she "felt deeply uncomfortable and embarrassed" at the way Rubiales greeted the Spanish players, which included tapping one on the bottom.

Mike Egerton/AP

According to FIFA, Rubiales responded by accusing Hewitt of depicting him in a "disgusting" manner and making "blatant" lies. He also stated that her overall statement "does a disservice to her position as chair of the English FA." However, FIFA dismissed Rubiales' assessment, stating that it had no reason to doubt Hewitt's observations.

Rubiales did not explicitly apologize for his actions and only stated that they "should not have happened." Additionally, the decision states that Rubiales was seen grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain's win.

The disciplinary panel said Rubiales behavior was "inexcusable and unacceptable."

Fatma Samoura, the Secretary General of FIFA, shakes hands with Salma Paralluelo of Spain during the award ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia on August 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Rubiales' unwelcome kiss on Jennifer Hermoso disrupted the celebration of Spain's Women's World Cup triumph, according to FIFA Secretary General. The Committee noted that it considered imposing harsher penalties due to the severity of the incidents and the significant negative impact of the Respondent's actions on FIFA's image, women's football, and women's sports in general.

However, despite strong hesitations, the Disciplinary Committee concluded that implementing such a measure would effectively serve as a necessary deterrent against the Respondent. Rubiales is currently being investigated for "the crimes of sexual assault and coercion," in a case brought by Spanish prosecutors. He finally resigned in September after weeks of refusing to step down.

He attended a court hearing last month, during which the Spanish Prosecutors office stated that Rubiales had responded to the judge and all parties involved, denying the charges. Following his three-year ban, Rubiales announced on social media in October that he would appeal FIFAs decision "to ensure that justice is served and the truth is revealed."