Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt told a Fifa disciplinary hearing she felt ‘uncomfortable’ at the behaviour of disgraced Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
England lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.
Hewitt detailed how Rubiales “cupped and stroked” England midfielder Laura Coombs’ face and “seemingly forcefully” kissed defender Lucy Bronze’s face.
Rubiales was given a three-year ban from football by Fifa in October.
The details emerged as the governing body’s disciplinary committee released its written grounds for Rubiales’ ban.
It was given for a series of incidents around the presentation ceremony following the final, which included the 46-year-old kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
Hewitt asked to give evidence at the hearing.
Having stood with Rubiales at the post-match medal ceremony, she noted he had been “unpleasant and unnecessarily aggressive” at being told by officials not to move to a more prominent position.
According to Fifa, Hewitt said Rubiales “cupped and stroked the face of the English player Laura Coombs, which [the chair of the FA] thought was slightly odd and then he seemingly forcefully kissed the English player Lucy Bronze on her face”.
Hewitt added she “felt deeply uncomfortable and embarrassed” at the way Rubiales greeted the Spanish players, which included tapping one on the bottom.
She also noted Rubiales kissing Hermoso “fully and forcibly on the mouth”, which left her “slightly shocked” as it was clear the incident was not consensual.
“The aggression and force seemed inappropriate and out of place,” added Hewitt.
In his response, Rubiales said it was “disgusting” Hewitt depicted him as “some kind of creep”, accused her of “blatant lies” or “speaking from ignorance”, and said her overall statement “does a disservice to her position as chair of the English FA”.
Fifa dismissed Rubiales’ assessment in conclusion, saying it had no reason to doubt Hewitt’s observations.
It also noted that at no time did Rubiales apologise for his actions, instead merely stating they “should not have happened”.
Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s win. He resigned in September after weeks of refusing to step down.
The disciplinary panel said Rubiales’ behaviour was “inexcusable and unacceptable”.
It considered stronger sanctions against him given “the seriousness and gravity of the incidents”, but concluded the eventual punishment would serve as a deterrent.
