Embattled Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days in the wake of the World Cup kissing row.
The 46-year-old has refused to step down despite mounting pressure from within Spanish football and the government.
He grabbed player Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England last Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
FIFA said it had suspended Mr Rubiales “from all football-related activities at national and international level”.
“This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days”, pending the disciplinary proceedings against Mr Rubiales.
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Who said what in World Cup kiss row between Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso
The decision by FIFA came amid an escalating row.
Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward, said “in no moment” did she consent to the kiss. She and her teammates have vowed not to play for Spain again – days after winning the World Cup for the first time.
The country’s football federation has stood by its president, who says the kiss was consensual, and threatened legal action to defend him.
In a lengthy statement issued earlier Saturday, the federation showed a series of images it claimed show Mr Rubiales was now lying.
Jenni Hermoso lifts Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales. Pic: RFEF
Mr President’s feet are ostensibly lifted from the ground as a result of the player’s action,” the statement said.
“The tests are conclusive. Mr President has not lied.
“The RFEF and Mr President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself.”
The statement threatened legal action, saying that playing for the national team “is an obligation for all members of the federation if they are called up”.
The federation said it regretted the row was taking away from the World Cup success it wanted to celebrate.
