Luis Rubiales is poised to re-enter the Spanish football landscape as early as next week, provided he secures a willing employer. The 49-year-old former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is no longer barred from working in the sport within Spain, as the three-year suspension imposed by the country’s Administrative Sports Court (Tribunal Administrativo del Deporte) on November 17, 2023, is set to conclude. This development marks a significant shift from his previous status, where he was completely excluded from professional football roles despite his high-profile conviction.
With legal hurdles cleared, the former RFEF president faces a critical test in the job market.
The path to this potential return has been legally complex. In February 2025, Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the 2023 Women’s World Cup final victory over England. The court fined him over €10,000, ordered him to pay €3,000 in moral damages, and required him to cover half of Hermoso’s legal costs. Although FIFA’s global three-year ban expired in August 2023, the domestic Spanish suspension remained in effect until the recent appeal process concluded, with the conviction upheld in June 2025.
Despite the cleared administrative hurdles, Rubiales’ immediate return to a prominent role remains uncertain. The football industry is likely to exercise extreme caution regarding hiring a figure with such a high-profile criminal record. While he is legally permitted to work, the stigma of the conviction and the subsequent media scrutiny may limit his opportunities. Stakeholders in Spanish football will be watching closely to see if any clubs, federations, or media organizations are willing to take the risk, or if Rubiales will remain on the sidelines despite the expiration of his ban.
Source: Yahoo Sports
