Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days in the wake of the World Cup kissing controversy. 

FIFA said it had suspended Mr Rubiales "from all football-related activities at national and international level". 

The FIFA Discplinary Committee also ruled that Mr Rubiales, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) or any other official employees contact midfield Jenni Hermoso, who said the President kissed her without consent. 

The Spanish football federation confirmed it had received notification of the suspension from FIFA and that Mr Rubiales will defend himself "so that the truth prevails, and complete innocence is proven". 

Luis Rubiales announces he refuses to resign from the RFEF, 26/08/2023. Image: Associated Press/Alamy.

Mr Rubiales refused to step down despite mounting pressure from within Spanish football and the government. 

He kissed Ms Hermoso during the awards ceremony following Spain’s World Cup. 

Ms Hermoso said the kiss was never consensual and she “did not like this incident”. 

The RFEF has suggested it will take legal action over what it calls “lies” that Mr Rubiales kissed a female player without her consent. 

“The RFEF and Mr President will demonstrate each of the lies that are spread either by someone on behalf of the player or, if applicable, by the player herself,” it said in a statement. 

"The RFEF and the President, given the seriousness of the content of the press release from the Futpro union, will initiate the corresponding legal actions."