The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales' appeal against a three-year ban imposed by FIFA.
This sanction stems from an incident during the 2023 Women's World Cup final, where Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
CAS stated that Rubiales' behavior "constituted multiple and serious violations" of FIFA's disciplinary code.
In addition to the ban, Spain's High Court found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, fining him €10,800 and issuing a restraining order preventing him from approaching Hermoso.
The incident has ignited widespread discussions about sexism in sports.
England women's team manager Sarina Wiegman emphasised the need for cultural change, stating, "More changes are needed in women's football."
Spanish political scientist Víctor Lapuente commented that Rubiales "will be remembered as a villain."
Despite the legal outcomes, both Rubiales and Hermoso plan to appeal the verdicts, indicating that the legal proceedings are not yet concluded.
As Major League Soccer (MLS) embarks on its 30th season, the league stands at a critical juncture, deliberating its future direction in the global soccer landscape.
The recent inclusion of San Diego FC as the 30th team exemplifies MLS's rapid expansion.
However, this growth prompts questions about the league's identity and objectives.
Bob Foose, executive director of the MLS Players Association, expressed concern, stating, "I've been disappointed in how little has been done so far to build on that momentum internally."
This sentiment reflects a broader debate on whether MLS should prioritize becoming a competitive world league or focus on strengthening its domestic roots.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted predominantly in the United States, presents a unique opportunity for MLS to elevate its profile.
Despite achieving record attendance and expanding its fan base, the league still grapples with securing a firm foothold in the mainstream American sports consciousness.
Foose emphasized the urgency of strategic action, noting, "There should have been significant moves made over the last 12 to 18 months."
As MLS navigates this pivotal period, the decisions made now will likely define its trajectory in the evolving global soccer arena.
.png)