Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales is approaching the end of his FIFA-imposed suspension, raising questions about his potential return to football administration. The suspension, handed down following the controversy surrounding his conduct at the 2023 Women's World Cup final, is set to expire in the coming weeks.
Rubiales, who led the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) from 2018 until his resignation in September 2023, was banned from all football-related activities by FIFA's disciplinary committee. The sanction stemmed from his unsolicited kiss on player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain's World Cup victory in Sydney, as well as his subsequent behavior in the aftermath.
The case drew global attention and sparked a wider reckoning within Spanish football regarding governance and workplace culture. Rubiales initially resisted pressure to step down before eventually resigning from his RFEF and UEFA positions amid criminal investigations in Spain.
With the suspension period concluding, football observers are monitoring whether Rubiales will seek any formal role in the sport again. Spanish prosecutors continue to pursue a sexual assault case against him, which could complicate any attempted comeback. The RFEF has since undergone leadership changes and structural reforms under interim management.
