Kissing Scandal: FIFA Suspends Rubiales

FIFA announced it had suspended Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities for three months as it investigates an incident in which he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup victory.

The suspension from national and international activities takes effect immediately from Saturday, FIFA said in a statement on the action taken by disciplinary committee chief Jorge Ivan Palacio.

FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Thursday over his actions last Sunday in Sydney.

Rubiales has been defiant over the kiss - which has been condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her teammates and the Spanish government - arguing it was consensual. Earlier on Saturday the federation he heads had said it would stick by him.