FIFA suspend RFEF president Luis Rubiales over Jenni Hermoso kiss after WWC final

FIFA have suspended Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales following his controversial kiss on the lips of midfielder Jenni Hermoso after La Roja's  win over England in the Women's World Cup final last Sunday.

Rubiales initially called criticism of his actions "idiotic", before posting a video earlier this week in which he admitted he had made a mistake.

However, in a speech on Friday in which he was expected to announce his decision to stand down, the 46-year-old RFEF chief vowed not to resign.

That provoked outcry in Spain and across the football world, with all of the 23 World Cup winners joined by key figures from the women's game signing a statement saying they would not continue to play while he was in charge.

Rubiales insisted on Friday that the kiss was consented, but those claims have been rejected by Hermoso, who also says the RFEF made up a statement in which she was quoted as playing down the controversy.

The RFEF have said they will take legal action against the popular player, who has received widespread support since the incident.

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Friday and have now banned the 46-year-old from all football activity.

"This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings," football's governing body said.

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