Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by the world governing body Fifa.
Rubiales has refused to resign after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England in Sydney.
The federation also says it will take legal action over Hermoso’s “lies”.
But Fifa has opted to “provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level”.
In response, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said Rubiales would “legally defend himself”
“He fully trusts Fifa and reiterates that, in this way, he is given the opportunity to begin his defence so that the truth prevails and his complete innocence is proven,” the RFEF said.
The statement added that vice president Pedro Rocha Junco has taken on the role of interim president while Rubiales is suspended.
Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old on Thursday.
“This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings,” Fifa added.
Source: BBC Sports
