FOOTBALL THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT DISMISSES THE APPEAL BY MR LUIS RUBIALES AGAINST FIFA
Lausanne, 21 February 2025 - The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal by Mr Luis Rubiales against FIFA concerning his three-year suspension from any football related activity for having behaved in a manner contrary to the principles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The CAS Panel ruled that the sanction imposed is reasonable and proportional.
Mr Rubiales filed an appeal against a decision (‘Contested Decision’) rendered on 16 January 2024 by the FIFA Appeals Committee which upheld a three-year ban following behaviour contrary to the FIFA Disciplinary Code (art.13) at the Final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. The appeal sought to set the Contested Decision aside, or in the alternative to set it partially aside and amend the sanction, or in the further alternative, apply any other disciplinary measures.
The CAS Panel determined that the behaviour of Mr Rubiales at the Final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 constituted multiple and serious violations of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (art.13) and saw no reason to consider the sanction to be disproportionate. The appeal by Mr Rubiales is dismissed and the Contested Decision is maintained.
This document is an unofficial summary for media use. Unless the Parties request confidentiality, a full Award with reasons will be published on the CAS website in due course.
For further information related to the CAS activity and procedures in general, please contact either Matthieu Reeb, CAS Director General,
or Vanessa Tracey, Communications Officer. Palais de Beaulieu, av. Bergières 10, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland.
