Spanish Football Federation President Faces 15-Year Ban

The Daily Mail reported that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has informed that the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) could be banned from football activities for up to 15 years. This is the maximum penalty of FIFA. Mr. Rubiales is currently suspended for 90 days to serve the investigation of allegations of sexual harassment of players at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

After a five-hour meeting yesterday (28 August), the Spanish Football Federation confirmed that they had asked Mr Rubiales to resign. They said Mr Rubiales's behaviour was "unacceptable" and "caused serious damage to the image of Spanish football". This move contrasts with the RFEF's reaction after the first meeting last weekend, when the RFEF supported Mr Rubiales and was ready to sue those who defamed the president.

Spanish Football Federation President Rubiales is boycotted due to sexual harassment scandal.

The change in the RFEF's stance comes after FIFA warned that it could ban the Spanish national team and clubs from international competitions. Rubiales instructed the RFEF to file a complaint with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), requesting that the Spanish Football Federation be punished for allowing the government to interfere in its management. However, UEFA rejected the request.

In addition, according to AS, the head coach of the Spanish women's team, Jorge Vilda, is likely to be fired in the next few days. This coach is considered a close friend of Mr. Rubiales, although he has not expressed support for the president of the Spanish Football Federation in this scandal.

Coach Vilda is also the only person on the Spanish national team's coaching staff who has not resigned after winning the 2023 Women's World Cup. His entire team of 11 members quit in protest against president Luis Rubiales.

Coach Jorge Vilda said: " My job as coach of the women's team and sports director of the women's teams is to achieve high results in sport. In addition, I always promote inclusion, respect and fairness. The achievements at the World Cup and at the lower team levels have demonstrated the federation's strong support for women's football."

Phuong Mai

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