Unfinished Consequences of the 'Forbidden Kiss'; Spanish Government's Efforts to Suspend Rubiales

Following the 'forbidden kiss' by the President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, on the lips of Jennifer Hermoso, a football star after Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup, the Spanish government is working to remove Rubiales from his position. According to CNN, while FIFA had previously suspended Rubiales for 90 days, the Spanish government has submitted the necessary documents for his dismissal to the 'Football Arbitration Board'. The 'High Council of Sports' of the Spanish government can dismiss the president of the football federation. Although the government has described Rubiales' actions as 'unacceptable behavior' and a 'serious violation of the law' in Spanish sports, he has not yet been removed from his position. Rubiales admits to his mistake but claims that the kiss was 'consensual', while Jennifer Hermoso has stated that she did not give anyone permission to kiss her and feels she has been assaulted. On the other hand, Mikel Ista, the Minister of Culture and Sports in Spain, has pointed to the 'sports and social consequences' of this incident and welcomes the 'reorganization plans' in the Spanish Football Federation under the presidency of Pedro Rocha, deeming them 'necessary'. Additionally, all regional officials, while supporting Pedro Rocha, the Vice President of the Spanish Football Federation, have called for Rubiales' resignation. According to the report, if the 'Football Arbitration Board' agrees with the government's assessment and begins proceedings, the 'High Council of Sports' of the Spanish government could temporarily dismiss Rubiales within 48 hours during the investigation. As Rubiales refuses to resign, public pressure on him has intensified because he had 'promised' to step down during the federation assembly but continues in his role as President of the Spanish Football Federation. CNN's report concludes that Rubiales may also face investigations by Spanish prosecutors for 'sexual assault', an accusation that depends on the decision of the 'Football Arbitration Board' and subsequent actions by the 'High Council of Sports' of the Spanish government. Previously, the International Football Federation, FIFA, on Saturday, September 4, suspended Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for three months. This action was taken to investigate the allegations regarding his kiss on the lips of Jen Hermoso, a player on the team, after Spain's women won the World Cup. According to Reuters, FIFA stated in a statement that Rubiales' suspension from national and international activities would take immediate effect. This decision was made by Jorge Ivan Palacio, the head of FIFA's disciplinary committee.