FIFA’s Appeal Committee confirmed on Friday that they will uphold their three-year ban on former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales over his unsolicited kiss with Spain’s footballer Jennifer Hermoso.
"Amongst other considerations, the appeal committee was comfortably satisfied that Mr Rubiales behaved in a manner contrary to the principles enshrined under article 13 of the Fifa disciplinary code during and after the final of the Fifa Women's World Cup," a statement from world football's governing body read.
Rubiales was called out by many top footballers and other top officials — including the Spanish government — after he kissed Hermoso during the presentation ceremony after the Spanish women's football team won their maiden Women's World Cup after beating England 1-0 in Australia.
Rubiales first insisted that the kiss was consensual but after some days, he apologised for his actions but the football fraternity demanded his resignation, which he first denied but eventually ended up resigning from his position last month.
The chief was first placed on a provisional suspension by FIFA, which was then followed by a three-year ban from the sport, which he eventually challenged.
Along with three other coaches, Jorge Vilda was fired by the organisation for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to claim the kiss was consensual.
On Thursday, a Spanish court suggested that Rubiales be put on trial for coercion and sexual assault.
The kiss "was not consensual and was a unilateral and unexpected move" by Rubiales, according to Judge Francisco de Jorge of Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional.
It must be noted that the Hermoso incident was not the first time Rubiales did something that was way out of line as he is said to have harassed and humiliated his female colleague in the past.