Former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales apparently also intrusively touched and, in one case, kissed English female footballers after the Women’s World Cup final in August.
This is suggested by the statement of the English association president Debbie Hewitt, which is listed in the now published written reasons for the FIFA verdict against Rubiales.
According to Hewitt, Rubiales has the face of England international Laura Coombs “embraced and caressed”what the FA boss “a bit strange” had occurred. Then he did “obviously energetic” Kissed teammate Lucy Bronze. Photos show him taking Bronze in both arms, his mouth near her ear.
Rubiales defends himself against allegations
Rubiales defended himself against Hewitt’s allegations through a statement from his defense attorneys. I have this “a gesture of encouragement was interpreted to mean that the defendant was a disgusting person” be. The FA President also has “intentionally or negligently” some facts left out.
So Rubiales emphasized that bronze “Not only plays in Spain, but also won the Spanish Super Cup a few months earlier” have. Coombs, in turn, has himself “injured in the final”, was stitched up and had to wear a bandage on his head. However, Coombs was not used in the final; Rubiales apparently confused her with Alex Greenwood.
Former Association President banned for three years
FIFA banned Rubiales for three years after the negotiations. The trigger was his behavior towards the Spaniards: Rubiales had aggressively kissed national player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth after the final win against England in Sydney. The case sparked a storm of outrage around the world. According to FIFA, Rubiales’ behavior violated Article 13 of the disciplinary code.
After the game, Rubiales also gestured with both hands in the direction of Spanish coach Jorge Vilda and then grabbed his crotch – with the gesture he apparently wanted to express that the controversial Vilda had shown it to all critics. Rubiales, who wants to take action against the ban, said he “regrets” his gesture.