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    Disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales BANNED by Fifa after kissgate row with Jenni Hermoso

    SHAMED football chief Luis Rubiales has been BANNED by Fifa over his kissgate scandal.The Spanish FA president kissed Spain World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips immediately after their final win over England.
    Luis Rubiales has been suspended by FifaCredit: The Mega Agency
    The Spanish FA president kissed Jennifer Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final
    On Thursday, Fifa announced that they had opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales in the wake of the incident.
    And they have since suspended him from all football-related activities for the next 90 days.
    The controversial Rubiales has received widespread criticism this week – both for the kiss and his leadership of the Spanish FA – including from players, LaLiga clubs, the Lionesses, the protesting Spanish public and even politicians.
    As a response, the entirety of the coaching staff of Spain’s women’s team have now resigned except for head coach Jorge Vilda.
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    Hermoso stated that the kiss was not consensual – but the Spanish FA have defended their president and instead waged war with their midfielder by threatening to sue her.
    A number of stars, including men’s striker Borja Iglesias, have quit the national team in protest against the chief, who performed a dramatic U-turn and refused to resign in a press conference on Friday.
    Rubiales was criticised for his behaviour during Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final as Spain beat England 1-0 to be crowned champions for the first time.
    He was filmed grabbing his crotch to celebrate the winning goal and then kissed Hermoso on the lips as she came up to receive her winner’s medal.  
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    The controversial chief also went into the team dressing room after full-time, where he vowed to take the women on holiday to Ibiza and even marry Hermoso.
    But the midfielder said in the immediate aftermath that she “did not enjoy” the unsolicited kiss.
    The Spanish FA put out a statement on Sunday night claiming to be from Hermoso, but she gave her own version of events to confirm that the act from Rubiales was NOT consensual.
    Rubiales initially hit out at the “idiots” criticising his behaviour before a weak apology on Monday.
    And as the backlash continued against his actions in Sydney and also his ongoing leadership of the RFEF, he was expected to quit on Friday.
    However, in the press conference, he defiantly said: “I am not resigning.”
    Rubiales also slammed “false feminism” for his “social assassination” and described the kiss as a “consensual, spontaneous little peck”.
    The decision not to step down was widely condemned by players, clubs and even Spanish politicians.
    And that prompted Spain’s men’s team two-cap striker Iglesias to go on strike from international football until Rubiales resigns in solidarity with his female counterparts.
    A staggering 81 Spanish women players have also said they will refuse to play while England’s Lionesses released a statement labelling the Spanish FA as “sexist and patriarchal”.
    David De Gea, Hector Bellerin and Alex Morgan were among the high-profile footballers who also used social media to voice their anger – as did TNT presenter Laura Woods.
    Hermoso said she was being put under “continuous pressure” by the Spanish FA to publicly support Rubiales.
    A football match called ‘Friends of Luis Rubiales Match’ in the town that he grew up in that he was due to play in has now been suspended by Town Hall officials due to security reasons.
    The decision was made as several feminist organisations announced plans to protest outside the event.
    ‘VULNERABLE VICTIM’
    The 33-year-old also revealed she was made to feel “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part” in a brave Instagram post.
    Hermoso, who plays her club football for Pachuca in Mexico, spoke out after her loyal Spain team-mates confirmed they would not take to the field again until Rubiales left his position.
    Despite winning the World Cup, the atmosphere around La Roja was already toxic due to the deeply unpopular Vilda, who applauded Rubiales at the press conference.
    The Spanish FA hit back at Hermoso by threatening her with legal action and posted photos of their star player allegedly lifting him up, which she denies.
    However, Fifa have now taken the step to temporarily ban Rubiales – and ordered him and the Spanish FA not to make any contact with Hermoso.
    An official statement from world football’s governing body says: “The president of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), using the powers granted by article 51 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code (CDF), has agreed today to provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales of all soccer-related activities at a national and international level.
    “This suspension, which will be effective as of today, extends for an initial period of ninety days, and as long as the disciplinary procedure opened by this Disciplinary Commission against Mr Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24, is processed.    
    “Likewise, the president of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the player of the national soccer team Ms Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary procedure that is in process before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 CDF) by which it orders Mr Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms Jennifer Hermoso or to your immediate surroundings.
    “Likewise, the RFEF and its officers or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment.
    “The decision adopted by the president of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA, for due compliance.
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    “The Fifa Disciplinary Committee will not offer any further information on this disciplinary procedure until a final decision has been taken on it.
    “Fifa reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting the integrity of all people and therefore condemns it with the greatest vigour any behaviour to the contrary.”
    Hermoso confirmed she did not consent to the kissCredit: AP
    Fifa is run by Gianni Infantino, leftCredit: Getty
    The Spanish public came out in force to protest againstCredit: EPA
    Spanish women’s manager Jorge Vilda has supported RubialesCredit: Getty More

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    Who is Luis Rubiales and what happened with Jenni Hermoso?

    LUIS Rubiales is known for his football career as well as being the president of the Spanish football federation.He has been caught up in some controversy with Jenni Hermoso, but who is he and what happened?
    Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Who is Luis Rubiales?
    Luis Rubiales is the president of the Spanish football federation and also quite the football career himself.
    He is a Spanish football official and former professional player who played as a defender.
    Rubiales was born in Las Palmas, Canary Islands on August 23, 1977.
    During his Spanish career he represented multiple teams such as Guadix CF, RCD Mallorca B, UE Lleida, Xerez CD, Levante UD and Alicante CF.
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    What happened with Jenni Hermoso?
    Rubiales has come under fire after kissing Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after they won the Women’s World Cup.
    He was also criticised for grabbing his crotch as he celebrated La Roja’s historic victory at the final whistle.
    It has been reported that he also went into the dressing room after full-time, vowing to take the women’s team on a holiday to Ibiza and to marry Hermoso.
    What has Luis Rubiales said?
    Fifa opened a disciplinary proceeding into the matter and a press conference was held where Rubiales said he would not resign.
    Most read in Football
    Explaining his crotch grab, he said: “In a moment of euphoria I grabbed that part of my body.”
    On the kiss, he said: “I was very moved when after winning the World Cup you turned around and dedicated it to me. There I made the gesture.
    “I apologise to the Queen and the Infanta for a very unedifying gesture. I do not justify myself: sorry.
    “The kiss was consented. We had very affectionate moments in this concentration.
    “The moment Jenni appeared, she picked me up from the ground and we almost fell. And when she left me on the ground, we hugged. She took me up in her arms and we hugged.
    “I told her ‘forget the [missed] penalty, you’ve been fantastic in this World Cup’ and she told me ‘you’re a crack’ and I told her, a little peck? and she said okay.”
    Is Luis Rubiales married and does he have children?
    The short answer is no.
    As of 2023, Rubiales is not married and does not have any children. More

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    Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings into Spanish FA president Rubiales after he grabbed women’s star and kissed her

    FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings over the conduct of Luis Rubiales after he grabbed and kissed a World Cup star.The Spanish FA president planted his lips on Jenni Hermoso after they beat England 1-0 in the final.
    Luis Rubiales is being investigated by FifaCredit: Rex
    Rubiales forced a kiss on Hermoso’s lips
    Rubiales was presenting the Spain team with their winners’ medals when the shocking incident occurred.
    The 46-year-old grabbed several members of the squad and hugged them tightly on their way to the podium.
    Footage showed him forcing a kiss Hermoso’s lips with the attacking midfielder revealing afterwards that she “did not enjoy” it in a clip addressing the situation on Instagram.
    The chief rewarded his winning players with a holiday to Ibiza and vowed to marry Hermoso on the island during a dressing room speech.
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    Rubiales has faced widespread criticism, including from Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez.
    Hermoso has also issued a statement with the players’ union calling for “measures to protect the players against actions we believe are unacceptable”.
    Rubiales was also caught on camera grabbing his genitals in the stands during the match.
    The former defender was positioned next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia at the time.
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    There has been calls for Rubiales to resign.
    He initially seemed to defend his kiss with Hermoso and branded critics as “idiots”.
    Rubiales spoke on radio Marca and said: “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocy.
    “We are champions and that’s what I’ll take.”
    He later released an apology, saying: “I’ve no doubt made a mistake and I have to admit it.
    “At a moment of maximum excitement, without any bad intention or bad faith, what happened happened in a very spontaneous manner, I repeat without bad faith on either side.”
    Fifa confirmed they will look into his actions, saying: “The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
    “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will only provide further information on these disciplinary proceedings once it has issued a final decision on the matter.
    “FIFA reiterates its unwavering commitment to respecting the integrity of all individuals and strongly condemns any behaviour to the contrary.”
    Luis Rubiales has been widely criticisedCredit: Rex More

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    Fifa president Gianni Infantino blasted for ‘peak cringe’ and embarrassing fashion faux-pas at Women’s World Cup final

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino was blasted for his “peak cringe” performance at the Women’s World Cup final.That’s after committing an embarrassing fashion faux-pas in Australia.
    Gianni Infantino was slammed for his outfit at the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Getty
    The Fifa chief wore white trainers with a dark suitCredit: Getty
    Infantino watched from the stands as England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.
    Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game with a fine hit in the 29th minute.
    And it saw England’s dreams of winning back-to-back tournaments come to a shuddering end Down Under.
    The Lionesses were not best pleased with their opponents, with some fans accusing Spain of play-acting throughout the game.
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    But the most controversial moment of the tournament may have come AFTER the final ball was kicked.
    Fifa chief Infantino handed out medals to both England and Spain before presenting the latter with their World Cup trophy.
    However, he caught the eye for the wrong reasons after wearing bright white trainers with a dark suit.
    The combo left many supporters scratching their heads.
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    And Infantino was slammed for delivering “peak cringe” to the best women’s World Cup in memory.
    One fan said: “Infantino wearing trainers with a designer suit is peak cringe. Embarrassing.”
    Another declared: “There’s no excuse for a grown man wearing white trainers with a suit.
    “Infantino looks like a page boy at a wedding reception who’s been allowed to swap shoes after the photographer has finished up.”
    One noted: “What bothers me most about the outcome of today’s final is Infantino handing out the medals in a suit and white trainers!”
    Another added: “Only Infantino can make the black suit and white trainer combo look totally dorky.”

    Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final More

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    Is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of gold and how much is it worth?

    THE 2023 Women’s World Cup is set to culminate in a face-off between Spain and England.The football squads will compete at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, with the hopes of bringing home the coveted trophy for their team – and their country.
    Spain and England will compete for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup trophyCredit: Isabel Infantes/Shutterstock
    What is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of?
    According to FIFA, the Women’s World Cup trophy is made of sterling silver but is covered in 23 karat white and yellow gold.
    The trophy measures 47 centimetres and weighs 4.6 kilograms.
    The award’s design features a spiral with a football at the top.
    There is also a cone-shaped platform at the bottom of the trophy, where the names of past winners of the tournament are displayed.
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    FIFA states that the composition of the trophy symbolises “the athleticism, dynamism and elegance of women’s football”.
    The trophy was designed by William Sawaya for the 1999 Women’s World Cup, held in the USA.
    It was handcrafted in Milan, Italy.
    The current trophy is the second iteration of the Women’s World Cup prize.
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    The first trophy was only awarded at the first two Women’s World Cups in 1991 and 1995.
    It had to be replaced after it was stolen in 1997 from the Ullevaal stadium in Oslo following Norway’s 1995 win.
    How much is the trophy worth?
    According to reports, in 2015 the Women’s World Cup trophy had an estimated value of around £23,000 in 2015.
    The Men’s World Cup trophy, meanwhile, was valued at £227,000 in 2022.
    That trophy is made up of 6.175 kilograms of 18 karat gold.
    Which teams have won the most Women’s World Cup trophies?
    The United States is the team that has won the most Women’s World Cup tournaments.
    They have lifted the trophy four times, in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019.
    The US squad has also had the most top four finishes at the tournament, having made it to the semi-finals eight times.
    They also have made five appearances in a Women’s World Cup final, making them the team with the most final appearances.
    Germany have won the Women’s World Cup the second-most times.
    They have two victories to their name, having been crowned champions in 2003 and 2007.
    Read More on The Sun
    The Lionesses have never secured World Cup glory but have reached the semi-finals twice, in 2015 and 2019
    Their 2023 opponents, Spain, will also be winning for the first time if victorious at the World Cup final. More

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    Gianni Infantino ‘at it again’ say fans as Fifa president gives cringe speech telling women ‘you have the power’

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has baffled fans with a bizarre speech ahead of the Women’s World Cup final.The 53-year-old, who holds the most powerful position in football, told female players that they have to “pick the right battles” in the fight for equal pay and treatment.
    Infantino gave a bizarre speech on Friday about women in footballCredit: Getty
    Those in the audience looked unimpressedCredit: Sky Sports
    The speech drew criticism from former Ballon d’Or winner HegerbergCredit: Getty
    Speaking in Sydney, he said: “I say to all the women, and you know I have four daughters, so I have a few at home, I say to all the women that you have the power to change.
    “Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights. You have the power to change.
    “You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don’t have to do. You do it. Just do it.
    “With men, with Fifa, you will find open doors. Just push the doors. They are open.”
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    Infantino’s bizarre speech left many fans gobsmacked, with one person tweeting: “I regret to inform you that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is at it again.”
    Another added: “It’s easier to tweet when he’s not at it.”
    A third wrote: “As a man myself, people like him making comments like that make me cringe.
    “Many of us fellas are better than him, believe me. Women are better than him. Most people are better than him!”
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    A fourth person commented: “Decades of keeping women out and now he’s saying just push the doors open. No, you need to invite them in.”
    While a fifth simply said: “He really needs to just stop talking.”
    Infantino’s comments also drew criticism from Lyon striker and former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
    The Norway international tweeted: “Working on a little presentation to convince men. Who’s in?”
    Infantino shocked fans with his unusual speech prior to the Men’s World Cup in November.
    He started an hour-long presentation by saying: “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arab. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker.
    “Of course I am not Qatari, Arab, gay or disabled.”
    England are set to face Spain in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.
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    The Lionesses are undefeated so far at this Women’s World Cup, having secured wins over Haiti, Denmark, China, Nigeria, Colombia and Australia.
    Meanwhile, Spain have won all-but one game on their way to the final. More

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    Fifa launches urgent investigation into Women’s World Cup coach over claims he ‘rubbed player’s breasts’

    FIFA has launched an urgent investigation into a Women’s World Cup coach over claims he rubbed a player’s breasts. Bruce Mwape, the coach of Zambia, has been accused of rubbing his hands over the chest of one of his players just two days before the team won their first match.
    Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape is accused of sexual misconductCredit: Getty
    The squad took to the field against Costa Rica in New Zealand on Monday, coming out on top 3-1 and placing third in their group.
    An insider has now claimed several players saw Mwape rub his hands over the chest of a teammate on the Friday.
    The source close to the team told the Guardian: “It’s not appropriate for a coach to be touching a player’s breasts.”
    Fifa today confirmed it was investigating an “allegation of misconduct” involving the Zambian team.
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    The football giant said: “Fifa takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident.
    “We can confirm that a complaint has been received in relation to the Zambian women’s national team and this is currently being investigated. We cannot provide further details regarding an ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons.
    “Anyone who wishes to report allegations or information related to abuse in football can do so via Fifa’s confidential reporting platform, with all information that is submitted to Fifa handled in the strictest of confidence.
    “In addition, Fifa offers support and assistance to ensure the safety of those who report a safeguarding issue, including witnesses who come forward and give testimony in Fifa judicial cases.
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    “Where guilt is established, Fifa takes the strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life. Our track record demonstrates this.”
    Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Mwape, who has been leading the team since 2018, did not respond to the Guardian’s requests for comment. More

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    Huge rule change to be introduced in English football this season after Fifa pressure on Premier League

    THE PREMIER LEAGUE and EFL have launched a new approach to cut down on time-wasting and increase ball-in-play time.The new Championship campaign starting on August 4 will be the first run of match officials’ new approach to improving time-keeping.
    Officials will be more robust dealing with clear/deliberate actions taken to delay the game restartingCredit: Rex Features
    As seen in the 2022 World Cup and Womens World Cup currently taking place in Australia, games are likely to last for more than 100 minutes.
    One match official has told Sky Sports News it will now be a rarity if a top flight game lasts fewer than than 100 minutes.
    According to the Daily Mail the average ball-in-play time for the 22/23 PL season was 54 minutes 49 seconds – the lowest number since 2010.
    The EFL released a statement on their website on how they plan to enhance ball-in-play time.
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    It includes adding more time for injuries and goals, and a blitz on time-wasting tactics.
    The statement reads: “As the game collectively looks to enhance the amount of time the ball is in play in the forthcoming campaign, the exact time lost when certain game events occur will now be added. 
    “In previous seasons the policy was to add on a nominal period of time for certain game events. The events include:

    Goals and subsequent celebrations
    Substitutions
    Injuries and treatment time (if required)
    Penalties (from moment of offence to the whistle for the penalty kick)
    Red cards (from moment of offence to when the player leaves the field)

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    “Alongside a more accurate allowance for time lost during the game, the EFL will also adopt the multi-ball system, which has been proven to increase ball in-play time.”
    “Match officials will also be taking a more robust approach to dealing with clear/deliberate actions that are impactful in delaying the restart of play, with players cautioned if they are guilty of:

    Delaying the restart of play
    Failing to respect the required distance at free-kicks.”

    Some fans have taken to twitter to share their opinions on the new approach.
    One wrote: “This is good! The ‘park the bus tactics’ will suffer from this. Those teams spend most of the time on the floor.” More