Fifa confirms three-year ban of Rubiales for non-consenually kissing Hermoso

Fifa, the body that oversees world football, announced on Friday that disgraced former Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales would face a three-year suspension from the sport after turning down his appeal.

"The Appeal Committee was comfortably satisfied that Mr Rubiales behaved in a manner contrary to the principles enshrined under ... the Fifa disciplinary code," said Fifa in a statement, according to AFP.

After the Women's World Cup final in Sydney in August, Rubiales kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips against her will; for this, he will go to trial in Spain.

Rubiales contests that the kiss was coerced and maintains his right to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against Fifa's global suspension from "football-related activities".

The chief was first placed on a provisional suspension by Fifa, which was then followed by a three-year ban from the sport, which he eventually challenged.

For the first time ever, Spain defeated England to win the Women's World Cup, although the victory was marred by Rubiales's actions and the ensuing controversy.

For three weeks, the 46-year-old refused to leave his position as pressure from all around the world grew, with players going on strike against the Spanish football federation until meaningful changes were made.

Along with three other coaches, Jorge Vilda was fired by the organisation for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to claim the kiss was consensual.

On Thursday, a Spanish court suggested that Rubiales be put on trial for coercion and sexual assault.

The kiss "was not consensual and was a unilateral and unexpected move" by Rubiales, according to Judge Francisco de Jorge of Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional.