Luis Rubiales

Rubiales was born in Las Palmas on the Canary Islands to father Luis Manuel Rubiales López, a primary school teacher and mother Ángeles Béjar, a hairdresser.{{cite web|url=http://www.sefutbol.com/en/biography-luis-manuel-rubiales-complete-football-experience/|title=BIOGRAPHY {{!}} Luis Manuel Rubiales, the complete football experience|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|date=17 May 2018|access-date=18 February 2019}} He was raised in Motril in the Province of Granada.

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Rubiales spent the majority of his playing career in the Segunda División, representing Guadix, Mallorca B, Lleida, Xerez, Levante (gaining promotion to La Liga in 2004 and 2006) and Alicante CF.{{cite web|url=http://www.fichajes.net/noticias/el-alicante-ficha-a-rubiales|title=El Alicante ficha a Rubiales|trans-title=Alicante sign Rubiales|work=Fichajes|language=es|date=6 August 2008|access-date=27 March 2014}} He made his debut in the Spanish top flight on 29 August 2004, coming on as a late substitute in a 1–1 away draw against Real Sociedad.{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/2004/08/30/pagina-2/1511851/pdf.html|title=Una Real incompleta|trans-title=Incomplete Real|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|first=Xabier|last=Isasa|language=es|date=30 August 2004|access-date=27 March 2014}}

On 4 August 2009, it was announced Rubiales had agreed a one-year deal at Scottish Premier League side Hamilton Academical.{{cite news|url=http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Accies-recruit-Wesolowski-and-Rubiales.5519634.jp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807011136/http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Accies-recruit-Wesolowski-and-Rubiales.5519634.jp|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2009|title=Accies recruit Wesolowski and Rubiales|newspaper=The Scotsman|first=Angus|last=Wright|date=4 August 2009|access-date=4 August 2009}} However, after his third league appearance, in which he was named man of the match, he announced his retirement at the age of 32, returning to Spain to take up a backroom role at Levante.{{Cite news |last=Grant |first=Michael |date=30 August 2023 |title='Luis Rubiales was a gent at Hamilton Accies — it's hard to believe he is involved in this' |newspaper=The Times |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/luis-rubiales-was-a-gent-at-hamilton-accies-its-hard-to-believe-he-is-involved-in-this-8jstkpzfq |access-date=30 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829101135/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/luis-rubiales-was-a-gent-at-hamilton-accies-its-hard-to-believe-he-is-involved-in-this-8jstkpzfq |archive-date=29 August 2023 |url-status=live |issn=0140-0460}}

In March 2010, Rubiales was elected president of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE).{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2010/03/09/futbol/1adivision/1268144885.html|title=Luis Rubiales: "Hay que luchar por todos los jugadores, por humildes que sean"|trans-title=Luis Rubiales: "We must fight for every player, no matter how humble he is"|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=9 March 2010|access-date=14 April 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2011/08/20/futbol/1313861904.html|title=Rubiales: "Hasta que no se solventen las diferencias no hay Liga"|trans-title=Rubiales: "No League until differences are worked out"|newspaper=Marca|first=Alicia|last=Riaño|language=es|date=20 August 2011|access-date=22 March 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/rubiales-directivos-ganan-ano-571648/20120223dasdaiftb_55/Tes|title=Rubiales y sus directivos ganan al año 571.648 euros|trans-title=Rubiales and his staff make 571.648 euros per year|newspaper=Diario AS|first=Javier|last=G. Matallanas|language=es|date=23 February 2012|access-date=22 March 2013}} He quit his post in November 2017 with the intention of running for office at the Royal Spanish Football Federation.{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2017/11/20/actualidad/1511168492_144662.html|title=Luis Rubiales deja la AFE para intentar presidir la Federación|trans-title=Luis Rubiales leaves the ASF to try to run the Federation|newspaper=El País|first=Ladislao Javier|last=Moñino|language=es|date=20 November 2017|access-date=1 March 2018}}

Rubiales was elected as the RFEF president in May 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.ceutaldia.com/articulo/deportes/nuevo-presidente-rfef-luis-rubiales-visitara-ceuta-miercoles/20180527181333180984.html|title=El nuevo presidente de la RFEF, Luis Rubiales, visitará Ceuta este miércoles|trans-title=The new RFEF president, Luis Rubiales, will visit Ceuta this Wednesday|work=Ceuta al Día|first=Javier|last=Sakona|language=es|date=27 May 2018|access-date=27 May 2018}} Upon taking office he vowed to establish a fixed wage for the leaders of the regional federations (hitherto the exception rather than the norm), thereby endowing each of the entities with €100,000 for their professionalisation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.laverdad.es/deportes/futbol/escandalos-sonados-rubiales-20230823151947-ntrc.html|website=La Verdad|publisher=Grupo Vocento|date=23 August 2023|first=E.|last=Mateos|title=Estos son los 15 escándalos más sonados de Rubiales}} Dissenting voices within the RFEF reportedly silenced thereafter.

In one of his first actions as president, Rubiales dismissed the Spanish national men's team head coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, having not been informed by the latter that he was negotiating to become the new manager of Real Madrid.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44467548|title=World Cup 2018: Spain sack manager Julen Lopetegui two days before first match|work=BBC Sport|date=13 June 2018|access-date=14 June 2018}}

On 8 September 2018, Rubiales gave an interview in which he criticised the Spanish League president Javier Tebas for signing a contract that would see matches being played in the United States. The former explained that the deal was "worthless" without the Spanish Federation's approval.{{cite web|url=https://wittyfutty.com/2018/09/rubiales-puts-doubt-in-usa-based-la-liga-matches/|title=Rubiales puts doubt in USA based La Liga matches!|work=Witty Futty|date=8 September 2018|access-date=8 September 2018}}

On 18 April 2022, the Spanish digital newspaper El Confidencial published some leaked documents and audio files that they called Supercopa Files,{{cite news|first1=Alejandro|last1=Requeijo|first2=José María|last2=Olmo|title=Piqué y Rubiales usaron a Messi para encajar la Supercopa en enero: "Tenemos a Leo detrás"|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2022-04-19/supercopa-files-pique-rubiales-usaron-messi_3410475/|newspaper=El Confidencial|date=19 April 2022|access-date=21 April 2022|language=es}} which included conversations that took place in 2019 between Rubiales and the footballer and businessman Gerard Piqué. The audio files find Rubiales negotiating to pay Piqué commissions related to playing the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia.{{cite news|first1=José María|last1=Olmo|title=Rubiales pactó con Piqué un pelotazo de 24M por la Supercopa en Arabia: "Os quedáis 6 kilos"|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2022-04-18/rubiales-pacto-pique-24m-supercopa-arabia_3409777/|newspaper=El Confidencial|date=18 April 2022|access-date=21 April 2022|language=es}} One of the conditions for these commissions was that two of the four participating teams would need to be Barcelona (Piqué's club at the time) and Real Madrid. Rubiales would also benefit from these commissions due to the variable part of his salary in the federation.{{cite news|title=Desmontando a Luis Rubiales: mentiras y medias verdades en sus explicaciones|trans-title=Deconstructing Luis Rubiales: lies and half-truths in his explanations|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/deportes/futbol/2022-04-21/luis-rubiales-desmontando-mentiras-verdades-supercopa-files_3411723/|newspaper=El Confidencial|date=21 April 2022|access-date=21 April 2022|language=es}}

In 2022, Rubiales' uncle and former chief of staff Juan Rubiales accused Luis Rubiales of embezzlement of RFEF money, allegedly spent on private parties with a group of friends in a house in Salobreña in 2020. He has also been accused of using federation resources for his personal enjoyment, such as a trip to New York in 2018 accompanied by a Mexican painter.{{Cite web|url=https://www.elmundo.es/loc/2023/08/21/64e330bae85ece1c298b4598.html|website=El Mundo|date=21 April 2023|title=Luis Rubiales: el dedazo a sus novias del presidente de la Real Federación Española de Fútbol}} Juan Rubiales also accused his nephew of devising an espionage scheme against AFE president David Aganzo.{{Cite web|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2022-09-15/el-tio-de-luis-rubiales-denuncio-ante-la-fiscalia-anticorrupcion-fiestas-con-chicas-con-cargo-a-la-federacion.html|website=El País|date=15 September 2022|title=El tío de Luis Rubiales denunció ante la Fiscalía Anticorrupción fiestas con chicas con cargo a la federación de fútbol|first=Ladislao J.|last=Moñino}}

In December 2022, Rubiales filed a lawsuit against Wikipedia demanding that content on the Spanish Wikipedia which might be seen as damaging to his honour be removed.{{Cite web |last=Requeijo |first=Alejandro |date=23 August 2023|title=Rubiales demanda a Wikipedia y le exige borrar contenido para salvar su imagen |url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2023-08-23/rubiales-demanda-wikipedia-exige-borrar-contenido-salvar-imagen_3722976/ |access-date=24 August 2023|newspaper=El Confidencial|language=es|url-access=subscription}} The complaint was filed through the legal department of the RFEF. The lawsuit focuses on Wikipedia content about scandals including negotiations for the sale of the Supercopa de España to Saudi Arabia said to involve commissions and personal benefits, and derogatory WhatsApp postings about teams in the Spanish league.{{cite news| last= Terán Haughey | first=Miguel | title=Rubiales contra el mundo: demanda a Wikipedia y les exige que eliminen contenido para limpiar su imagen | publisher=elEconomista.es | date=25 August 2023 | url=https://www.eleconomista.es/actualidad/noticias/12418178/08/23/rubiales-contra-el-mundo-demanda-a-wikipedia-y-les-exige-que-eliminen-contenido-para-limpiar-su-imagen-.html | language=es}}

On 25 March 2023, the RFEF recognised 1937 Copa de la España Libre winners Levante FC, now replaced by Levante UD, as the equivalent of winning the Copa del Rey.{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/copa-rey/2023/03/25/641ef935ca47410a6f8b4572.html|title=La Federación reconoce la Copa del Levante de 1937 y la del Deportivo de 1912|trans-title=The Federation recognizes Levante's 1937 Cup and Deportivo's one from 1912|newspaper=Marca|first=Noel|last=Rodilla|language=es|date=25 March 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} Rubiales then handed the trophy to the 2023 captain of Levante, Vicente Iborra, before their match against Real Zaragoza on 31 March.{{cite web|url=https://rfef.es/en/noticias/luis-rubiales-presents-the-1937-republic-cup-to-levante-ud|title=Luis Rubiales presents the 1937 Republic Cup to Levante UD|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|date=1 April 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}}

{{Main|Rubiales affair}}

{{too detailed|section|date=February 2024}}

After Spain won the Women's World Cup in August 2023, Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation;{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/aug/21/luis-rubiales-kiss-outrage-spanish-football-fa-president-womens-world-cup-final-spain-jenni-hermoso|title=Spanish football president's kiss sparks outrage after Women's World Cup final|work=TheGuardian.com|first1=Jack|last1=Snape|first2=Ashifa|last2=Kassam |date=21 August 2023|access-date=21 August 2023}} Hermoso later indicated during her Instagram live stream that she did not like the kiss.{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/womens-world-cup/2023/08/21/64e37d9fe2704e810c8b464a.html|title=Jenni Hermoso reacts to surprise kiss from Rubiales: "I didn't like it"|newspaper=Marca|first=Parker|last=Johnson|date=21 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} In the locker room, he reportedly put his arm around her and said: "There, we will celebrate the wedding of Jenni and Luis Rubiales" in Ibiza.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/22/opinions/spanish-football-federation-kiss-womens-world-cup-filipovic/index.html|title=Opinion: This is about far more than an unwanted kiss on the lips|work=CNN|first=Jill|last=Filipovic|date=22 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}}

Rubiales was earlier spotted grabbing his crotch while standing in the authorities' box near Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Infanta Sofía.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/spain-s-soccer-president-criticized-after-grabbing-his-crotch-kissing-player-following-world-cup-unacceptable-7693392|title=Spain's soccer president criticized after grabbing his crotch, kissing player post-World Cup: 'Unacceptable'|work=People|first=Sean|last=Neumann|date=21 August 2023|access-date=22 August 2023}} Rubiales subsequently faced widespread criticism for his celebrations, including from American footballer Megan Rapinoe.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/23/sport/megan-rapinoe-luis-rubiales-misogyny-sexism-spt-intl/index.html|title=Megan Rapinoe says Luis Rubiales' behavior shows 'deep level of misogyny and sexism' in women's soccer|work=CNN|first1=Matias |last1=Grez |first2=Thomas |last2=Schlachter|date=23 August 2023|access-date=25 August 2023}} Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez also called for him to resign.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66581263|title=Luis Rubiales' apology for kissing Jenni Hermoso 'not enough' says Spain's prime minister|work=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} Rubiales apologised for his conduct, stating that his celebrations were "in a moment of euphoria".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66609945|title=Luis Rubiales refuses to step down as Spanish football federation president|work=BBC Sport|date=25 August 2023|access-date=25 August 2023}}

The AFE issued an official statement that if Rubiales did not resign immediately, they would demand that the Sports Law be applied against him.{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/femenino/afe-tajante-si-rubiales-no-dimite-exigimos-que-se-aplique-la-ley-del-deporte-n/|title=AFE: "Si Rubiales no dimite, exigimos que se aplique la Ley del Deporte"|trans-title=ASF: "If Rubiales does not resign, we shall demand that Sports Law be applied"|newspaper=Diario AS|first=Ruby|last=Arés|language=es|date=22 August 2023|access-date=22 August 2023}} According to Grupo Vocento's Relevo, he reportedly begged Hermoso to appear next to him in an apology video, while Jorge Vilda made several unsuccessful requests to Hermoso's family for her to come out in support of Rubiales.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.es/deportes/futbol/rubiales-rogo-jenni-hermoso-pidiera-disculpas-junto-20230822150910-nt.html|title=Rubiales rogó a Jenni Hermoso que pidiera disculpas junto a él y la RFEF falseó las declaraciones de la jugadora|trans-title=Rubiales begged Jenni Hermoso to apologise alongside him and RFEF forged player's statements|newspaper=ABC|first=María|last=Carbajo|language=es|date=22 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} The RFEF also sent to EFE an incorrect statement saying Hermoso condoned Rubiales' behaviour.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-espana.net/2023/08/22/spain-put-out-fake-jenni-hermoso-statement-following-kiss-incident-luis-rubiales-asked-her-for-joint-statement|title=Spain put out fake Jenni Hermoso statement following kiss, Luis Rubiales asked her for joint statement|work=Football España|first=Ruairidh|last=Barlow|date=22 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} Acting through her players' union {{ILL|FUTPRO|es}}, Hermoso asked the RFEF, without directly mentioning Rubiales, "to ensure the rights of [FUTPRO] players and to take exemplary measures".{{cite news|url=https://www.20minutos.es/deportes/noticia/5166575/0/jenni-hermoso-rompe-su-silencio-traves-sindicato-futpro-pedimos-federacion-que-adopte-medidas-ejemplares/|title=Jenni Hermoso rompe su silencio a través del sindicato Futpro: "Pedimos a la Federación que adopte medidas ejemplares"|trans-title=Jenni Hermoso breaks her silence through Futpro union: "We ask that the Federation take exemplary measures"|newspaper=20 minutos|language=es|date=23 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66598539|title=Luis Rubiales: Jennifer Hermoso's union says 'unacceptable' kiss should not go unpunished|work=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}}

Liga F filed a complaint before the High Sports Council (CSD) asking for his disqualification.{{cite news|url=https://www.eldiario.es/sociedad/liga-femenina-pide-inhabilitacion-rubiales-consejo-superior-deportes_1_10461522.html|title=La Liga Femenina pide la inhabilitación de Rubiales ante el Consejo Superior de Deportes|trans-title=Women's League asks that Rubiales be inhabilitated before the High Sports Council|website=ElDiario.es |first=Ana|last=Requena Aguilar|language=es|date=23 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} The worldwide representative organisation for professional footballers, the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO), called for immediate action and investigation of his actions under the FIFA code of ethics.{{cite web|url=https://fifpro.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-do/foundations-of-work/fifpro-statement-spanish-football-federation-president-luis-rubiales/|title=FIFPRO Statement: Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales|work=FIFPRO.org|publisher=Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels|date=23 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} The RFEF announced that it would hold an emergency Extraordinary General Assembly on 25 August.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/38238051/spain-government-official-wants-luis-rubiales-resign-kiss|title=Spain PM blasts Rubiales' apology over 'unacceptable' kiss|work=ESPN|first=Adriana|last=Garcia|date=22 August 2023|access-date=24 August 2023}} Meanwhile, on 24 August, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee opened disciplinary proceedings against him.{{cite news |title=The FIFA Disciplinary Committee opens disciplinary proceedings against Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA |url=https://www.fifa.com/legal/media-releases/the-fifa-disciplinary-committee-opens-disciplinary-proceedings-against-luis-rubiales |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |date=24 August 2023}}

Although it was expected by the press that Rubiales would be resigning during the emergency Extraordinary General Assembly of the RFEF on 25 August,{{cite news |last=Díaz |first=José Félix |title=Luis Rubiales to step down as RFEF president on Friday |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/womens-world-cup/2023/08/24/64e7bb4e268e3ec9218b45a6.html |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=Marca |date=24 August 2023}}{{cite news |last=Nakrani |first=Sachin |title=Spanish FA head Luis Rubiales to resign as Fifa investigate World Cup final kiss |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=TheGuardian.com|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/aug/24/fifa-opens-disciplinary-proceedings-luis-rubiales-womens-world-cup |date=24 August 2023}} he instead refused to resign and said: "A social assassination is taking place. I don't deserve this manhunt I have been suffering." Rubiales also spoke to Jorge Vilda about his desire to offer the manager a new 4-year contract on €0.5 million a year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/deportes/2023/08/25/rubiales-propone-vilda-nuevo-contrato-cuatro-anos-sueldo-medio-millon-euros-1673846.html|website=Heraldo de Aragón|title=Rubiales propone a Vilda un nuevo contrato de cuatro años con un sueldo de medio millón de euros|date=25 August 2023}}

On the same day, two Spanish men's national team and Real Betis players, Héctor Bellerín{{cite news |last=Miserachs |first=Jaume |title=Héctor Bellerín tira con bala contra Rubiales |url=https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/20230825/1002057580/hector-bellerin-tira-bala-rubiales.html |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=Mundo Deportivo|language=es |date=25 August 2023}}{{cite news |last=Mukherjee|first=Soham |title='My ears are bleeding' - David De Gea, Iker Casillas and Hector Bellerin blast Spain chief Luis Rubiales after he refuses to resign over Jenni Hermoso forced kiss at Women's World Cup |access-date=25 August 2023 |work=Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/david-de-gea-iker-casillas-hector-bellerin-spain-luis-rubiales-jenni-hermoso-world-cup/bltad02e6b0e2087d0b |date=25 August 2023}} and Borja Iglesias, criticised Rubiales on social media, with the latter refusing to play for Spain until Rubiales resigned.{{cite news |last1=Kirkland|first1=Alex |first2=Rodrigo |last2=Faez|title=Luis Rubiales refuses to quit in rant over unsolicited kiss |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38243585/spain-chief-rubiales-refuses-quit-unsolicited-jenni-hermoso-kiss-explosive-rant |access-date=25 August 2023 |date=25 August 2023}}{{cite news |last=Burton|first=Chris |title=Spain striker Borja Iglesias announces decision to boycott national team in protest against Luis Rubiales refusing to resign|access-date=25 August 2023 |work=Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/spain-striker-borja-iglesias-boycott-national-team-protest-luis-rubiales-refusing-resign/bltb0789cf105bbc905 |date=25 August 2023}} Two former Spain national goalkeepers, 2010 world champion Iker Casillas and David de Gea, also criticised Rubiales' speech on X.

On 25 August 2023, the Spanish government filed a complaint in the Sports Administrative Court for "serious misconduct" with the aim of obtaining authorisation to suspend him from his duties.{{Cite web |title=Luis Rubiales: Spanish government attempts to force out Spanish FA president over Jenni Hermoso controversy|date=25 August 2023|access-date=25 August 2023|website=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12947392/luis-rubiales-spanish-government-attempts-to-force-out-spanish-fa-president-over-jenni-hermoso-controversy}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66621146|access-date=25 August 2023|title=Luis Rubiales: Spanish government takes FA chief to tribunal after World Cup final kiss|date=25 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport }} Later that day, 81 players, including all 23 from the championship-winning squad, released a joint statement pledging to boycott the national team until there were changes to RFEF leadership.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66621772|access-date=25 August 2023|title=Jenni Hermoso 'didn't consent' to Luis Rubiales kiss as Spain players refuse to play|date=25 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport }}

A friendly football event in support of Rubiales named Amigos de Luis Rubiales ("Luis Rubiales' Friends") featuring CF Motril, CD Costa Tropical, and Puerto de Motril was set for 26 August 2023 in Motril, with Rubiales' confirmed attendance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/sociedad/20230826/9187781/motril-suspende-partido-futbol-rubiales-amigos-evitar-alteracion-orden-publico.html|website=La Vanguardia|title=Motril suspende el partido de fútbol de Rubiales y sus amigos para evitar una "alteración del orden público"|date=26 August 2023}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/federacion-espanola-futbol/2023/08/26/64e9e5b246163ff0708b45bb.html|work=Marca|title=El Ayuntamiento de Motril suspende el partido de Rubiales|last=Luque|first=Manuel|date=26 August 2023|access-date=26 August 2023}} The Ayuntamiento of Motril brought the initiative down by declining to lease the municipally-owned venue Escribano Castilla Stadium on the basis of potential disturbances of public order.

On 26 August 2023, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days, and directed him and the RFEF to refrain from attempting to contact Hermoso directly or indirectly.{{Cite news|date=26 August 2023 |title=FIFA Disciplinary Committee provisionally suspends Luis Rubiales |url=https://www.marca.com/en/football/womens-world-cup/2023/08/26/64e9f3e4e2704ef1058b45d6.html |access-date=26 August 2023 |work=Marca|last=Díaz|first=José Félix|language=en}}

On 28 August, his mother, Angeles Bejar, went on hunger strike in a church in Motril as a protest against the "inhumane and bloody hunt that they are doing with my son". Rubiales' cousin, Vanessa Ruiz, accused the media of harassment and said that Rubiales had been "judged before his time".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66637880|title=Rubiales' mother on hunger strike over kiss row|work=BBC Sport}} The same day, the Spanish Prosecution Ministry opened a preliminary investigation against Rubiales which, among other things, granted Hermoso the opportunity to file a legal complaint.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2023 |title=Luis Rubiales explainer: What's next after criminal charges, possible punishments, more |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/38352600/luis-rubiales-jenni-hermoso-criminal-charges-spain-explainer |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Rubiales' salary, which reached US $688,462.06 (€634,518.19) in 2021, as well as his right to have an official car from the RFEF, were cancelled. He was also requested to return his corporate laptop and phone, and will be blocked from using RFEF's funds to pay for his own legal defence.{{Cite web |last1=Sung |first1=Patrick |last2=Ramsay |first2=George |last3=Brown |first3=Benjamin |date=29 August 2023 |title=Spain's government presses for suspension of soccer chief Luis Rubiales after unwanted kiss. What's next? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/29/football/luis-rubiales-spanish-government-suspension-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}

In an interview with El Confidencial published on 30 August, his uncle and former colleague Juan Rubiales described Luis as someone obsessed with power, luxury, money and women, adding that the latter's behaviour was embarrassing and that he needed "a social re-education program".{{cite web |last1=María Olmo |first1=José |title=Juan Rubiales: "En la fiesta de Salobreña hubo chicas de 18 años que podían ser hijas de Luis" |url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2023-08-30/rubiales-salobrena-rfef-chicas-hijas-entrevista_3726413/ |website=El Confidencial |date=30 August 2023 |access-date=1 September 2023 |ref=ElConf}}

On 1 September, a Spanish sports court opened an administrative investigation into Rubiales. However, the probe was filed as a "serious misconduct" not a "very serious misconduct", which blocked the Spanish government from suspending him as head of the RFEF pending the investigation, and could potentially allow his return to RFEF's presidency when FIFA's 90-day provisional suspension ends.{{Cite web |date=1 September 2023 |title=Spain govt. can't suspend Rubiales after ruling |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/38306547/spanish-government-cant-suspend-rubiales-new-ruling |access-date=1 September 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=1 September 2023 |title=Spain's sport court opens case against soccer boss in World Cup scandal - El Pais |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/spains-sport-court-opens-case-against-soccer-boss-world-cup-scandal-el-pais-2023-09-01/ |access-date=1 September 2023}}

On 6 September, Hermoso filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales.{{cite news |last1=Kassam |first1=Ashifa |last2=Lowe |first2=Sid |title=Jenni Hermoso files criminal complaint against Luis Rubiales over kiss |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/06/jenni-hermoso-files-criminal-complaint-against-luis-rubiales-over-kiss |access-date=19 November 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=6 September 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Pinedo |first1=Emma |last2=Kallas |first2=Fernando |title=Spain's Hermoso files criminal complaint over Rubiales kiss, prosecutor says |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/spains-hermoso-files-legal-complaint-over-rubiales-kiss-prosecutor-2023-09-06/ |work=Reuters |date=6 September 2023|accessdate=19 November 2023}} The complaint would be presented to the National Court two days later.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2023 |title=La Fiscalía presenta la querella contra Luis Rubiales ante la Audiencia Nacional por el beso a Jenni Hermoso |url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/federacion-espanola-futbol/2023/09/08/64fb058146163f29368b45aa.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=MARCA |language=es}}

On 10 September, he resigned his positions as the Federation's president and as vice-president of UEFA.{{cite news |last1=Wolgelenter |first1=Michael |last2=Chaundler |first2=Rachel |date=10 September 2023 |title=Spain's Top Soccer Official Resigns Over Unwanted World Cup Kiss |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/world/europe/luis-rubiales-resigns-spain-kiss.html |access-date=10 September 2023}}

On 30 October 2023, Rubiales was banned by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee from engaging in any football-related activities at both national and international level for a period of three years. On 17 November 2023, the legal panel that oversees sports in Spain issued a similar three year ban as well, preventing Rubiales from being employed with the sport while in Spain.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/rubiales-sexism-kiss-spain-womens-world-cup-e147075626a96b221fa20ef73a58b344|title=Ex-federation president ruled unfit to hold job in Spanish soccer for 3 years after kissing player|publisher=Associated Press|date=17 November 2023|accessdate=19 November 2023}} It was also reported that a Spanish judge was investigating Rubiales as a result of accusations made by Hermoso that he sexually assaulted her with the kiss and then pressured her to publicly support him afterward.

On 6 December 2023, FIFA published a report which accused Rubiales of also inappropriately touching two English football players, as well as three additional Spanish football players, during the night of the World Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/3594c86cff2dcd8b/original/FDD-15763_Grounds-of-the-decision.pdf|title=Decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee passed on 26 October 2023 ON THE CASE OF: Luis Rubiales Bejar (Decision FDD-157S3) REGARDING: Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code - Offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play|publisher=FIFA|date=6 December 2023}}{{Cite web |last1=Jennings |first1=Patrick |last2=Burlaga |first2=Kate |date=6 December 2023 |title=FIFA's Rubiales report: Bronze, FA row and 'The Genitals Incident' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5117535/2023/12/06/luis-rubiales-fifa-disciplinary-committee-lucy-bronze/ |website=The Athletic}} The report claimed that Debbie Hewitt, the chairwoman of the English Football Association, told FIFA’s disciplinary committee that Rubiales “cupped and stroked the face of the English player Laura Coombs, which [the chairwoman of the FA] thought was slightly odd and then he seemingly forcefully kissed the English player Lucy Bronze on her face.”{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/07/sport/luis-rubiales-england-players-world-intl-spt/index.html|title=Luis Rubiales accused by FA Chair of inappropriately touching England players at World Cup final|first=Sammy|last=Mncwabe|publisher=CNN|date=7 December 2023|accessdate=20 December 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2023/12/7/luis-rubiales-kiss-england-players-jenni-hermoso-fifa-womens-world-cup-2023-debbie-hewitt-laura-coombs-lucy-bronze|title=Luis Rubiales 'forcefully kissed' England player at Women's World Cup|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=7 December 2023|accessdate=20 December 2023}} Hewitt also claimed she witnessed Rubiales tap the bottom of another Spanish player. According to FIFA, Rubiales responded by claiming Hewitt's portrayal of him was "disgusting" and that she told blatant "lies" and was "speaking from ignorance." He also claimed her overall statement “does a disservice to her position as chair of the English FA.” However, FIFA rejected his assessment of Hewitt and found no reason to doubt her.

FIFA's Disciplinary committee described Rubiales as having "inexcusable and unacceptable behavior" and stated that “it was tempted to impose more severe sanctions in view of the seriousness and gravity of the incidents at stake as well as of the profound negative impact that the Respondents actions had on the image of FIFA, women’s football and women’s sport in general." However, the report also claimed that "with strong hesitations, the Disciplinary Committee was satisfied that the imposition of such a measure would serve the necessary deterrent effect upon the Respondent."

In February 2025, it was revealed Rubiales would face trial in Madrid over the incident.{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/02/luis-rubiales-trial-spain-jenni-hermoso-kiss-world-cup | title=Luis Rubiales to go on trial in Spain over Jenni Hermoso kiss at World Cup | work=The Guardian | date=2 February 2025 | last1=Giuffrida | first1=Angela }} On 20 February 2025, he was found guilty of sexual assault over the incident, but acquitted of coercion. He was ordered to pay a fine of €10,000, and was ordered to stay at least 200 meters away from Hermoso and to not contact her for 12 months.{{Cite web |date=20 February 2025 |title=Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexually assaulting Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/20/luis-rubiales-verdict-spanish-footballer-jenni-hermoso |access-date=20 February 2025 |website=The Guardian}} On 25 June 2025, Rubiales lost his appeal against the sexual assault conviction at the Spanish appeals court who also dismissed a separate appeal from prosecutors, who had sought a retrial and were pushing for a jail sentence.{{cite web |title= Former Spanish football chief loses World Cup kiss appeal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx20xx2ek1zo |website=BBC News |date=25 June 2025}}

{{main|Operation Brody}}

Police searched Rubiales' home in Spain, as well as RFEF's headquarters, as part of a corruption investigation related to a deal, reportedly worth 40 million euros, about the relocation of Spanish Super Cup competition to Saudi Arabia. Rubiales was in the Dominican Republic at the time the search was carried out.{{Cite news |last=Kassam |first=Ashifa |date=2024-03-20 |title=Spanish police raid Luis Rubiales' house as part of corruption investigation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/20/spanish-football-federation-luis-rubiales-investigation |access-date=2024-04-03 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last=Corrigan |first=Guillermo Rai and Dermot |title=Spanish FA offices, Rubiales' home searched as part of alleged corruption investigation |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5356601/2024/03/20/rfef-rubiales-corruption-investigation/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |language=en}} However, his Dominican Republic home would later be searched as well.{{Cite web|date=2024-04-03|title=La Guardia Civil registra el alojamiento de República Dominicana de Rubiales|url=https://www.rtve.es/deportes/20240402/luis-rubiales-guardia-civil-republica-dominicana/16042205.shtml|access-date=2024-04-03|website=RTVE.es|language=es}}

On 3 April 2024, Rubiales was arrested by officials in Madrid upon his arrival from the Dominican Republic.{{Cite news |date=2024-04-03 |title=Luis Rubiales arrested in corruption investigation |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68721045 |access-date=2024-04-03 |language=en-GB}}

Rubiales married lawyer Manuela Delicado Vega, with whom he had three daughters. They later separated, but reportedly remained on good terms.{{cite news |last1=Torrente |first1=Maite |title=Los amores de Luis Rubiales: polémicas conquistas, una exmujer abogada y tres hijas a las que adora |url=https://www.elespanol.com/corazon/famosos/20230825/amores-luis-rubiales-polemicas-conquistas-exmujer-abogada-hijas-adora/789421207_0.html |access-date=26 August 2023 |work=El Español |date=25 August 2023 |language=es}}

Levante

• Segunda División: 2003–04{{cite web|url=https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/destacada/el-levante-festejo-titulo-con-un-homenaje-al-equipo-que-subio-en-2004/10011-3293626|title=El Levante festejó el título con un homenaje al equipo que subió en 2004|trans-title=Levante celebrated title by honouring team that promoted in 2004|work=EFE|language=es|date=11 June 2017|access-date=27 June 2019}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{BDFutbol|1807}}
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{s-bef|before=Juan Luis Larrea}}

{{s-ttl|title=President of the
Royal Spanish Football Federation|years=2018–2023}}

{{s-aft|after=Pedro Rocha (interim)}}

{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rubiales, Luis}}

Category:1977 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Motril

Category:Footballers from the Province of Granada

Category:Sportspeople from Las Palmas

Category:Spanish men's footballers

Category:Footballers from Las Palmas

Category:Men's association football defenders

Category:La Liga players

Category:Segunda División players

Category:Segunda División B players

Category:Tercera División players

Category:RCD Mallorca B players

Category:RCD Mallorca players

Category:UE Lleida players

Category:Xerez CD footballers

Category:Levante UD footballers

Category:Alicante CF footballers

Category:Scottish Premier League players

Category:Hamilton Academical F.C. players

Category:Spanish expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland

Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Scotland

Category:Presidents of the Spanish Football Federation

Category:Spanish trade union leaders

Category:People convicted of sexual assault

Category:Spanish sportspeople convicted of crimes