Debbie Hewitt, president of the English Football Association (FA), has made new allegations against Spain’s former head Luis Rubiales.
In a report published by the world governing body to justify FIFA’s verdict against Rubiales, Hewitt also accused the 46-year-old of inappropriate behavior towards England players at the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. Rubiales was banned for three years by FIFA for his abusive behavior towards Spanish World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso, whom he kissed on the mouth.
According to Hewitt’s statement, Rubiales cupped and caressed the face of player Laura Coombs, which the FA president found somewhat strange, according to FIFA protocol. Then, according to Hewitt, he apparently forcefully kissed player Lucy Bronze on the face.
According to FIFA protocol, Rubiales accused Hewitt of prejudice against himself. She also hugged several players, even though they held out their hands to receive a handshake, which, according to Hewitt’s logic, could also be understood as “violent, non-consensual physical contact.” Hewitt’s hypocrisy was blatant, Rubiales reported.
With his behavior immediately after the World Cup final between Spain and England in Sydney on August 20, Rubiales violated the provisions of Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. He had announced that he wanted to take legal action against his ban. Rubiales asserts that the kiss with Hermoso was consensual. An investigation is also underway against him in Spain and, according to experts, he faces a prison sentence of up to four years.