Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation after receiving backlash for kissing Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony.
After weeks of controversy, Luis Rubiales has ultimately decided to step down as President of the Spanish Football Federation according to multiple reports.
This decision comes in response to mounting pressure from various individuals and authorities, particularly in light of the incident where he kissed Spain’s Jenni Hermoso in the Women’s World Cup in August.
Luis Rubiales announced his resignation in an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan on Sunday, September 10.
However, he still claims innocence and has vowed to uphold his innocence and defend himself against the allegations.
Rubiales faced serious scrutiny following the incident involving Hermoso, as protests against his presidency erupted throughout Spain and prominent figures publicly demanded his resignation.
A total of 81 players from Spain, including all 23 Women’s World Cup winners, have expressed their decision to not participate in the national team as long as Rubiales remains in his position.
Rubiales also faced criticism from politicians, footballers, and celebrities, with many of them speaking out against him.
Additionally, in August, a group of protesters gathered at the federation’s headquarters to express their demand for his resignation.
The myriad protests made FIFA suspend him for 90 days, and they are currently seeking to extend the ban even though the Spanish FA publicly apologized for his behavior.
Luis Rubiales announced his resignation in an interview with British renown broadcaster, Piers Morgan, saying: “At 9:30 pm today [September 10, 2023], I officially submitted my resignation as President of the RFEF to Mr. Pedro Rocha, the acting President.”
When Morgan asked if there was a specific reason that ultimately led him to resign, Rubiales explained that he had discussed the matter with his family and sought the advice of his friends.
The 46-year-old has also stepped down from his role as vice-president of Uefa’s executive committee.
Luis Rubiales at risk of prosecution for sexual assault
Rubiales is currently at risk of facing criminal prosecution for sexual assault and coercion due to his actions of an ‘unsolicited kiss’ on Spanish international Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup victory against England.
The 33-year-old striker filed a formal complaint last week before she returned to Mexico, where she is currently plying her club career.
Jenni Hermoso affirmed that the kiss made her feel vulnerable and like a victim of aggression.
She described it as an impulsive, sexist act that was out of place and occurred without her consent.
Following her statement, prosecutors announced on Friday, September 8, that they had submitted the complaint to a judge at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid.
However, the former president of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales has emphasized that the kiss was consensual and referred to it as a ‘peck.’
Rubiales expressed his thoughts in a detailed statement last week before announcing his resignation.
He stated: “The excitement and joy of the momentous occasion caused us to engage in a spontaneous and mutually agreed-upon act, fueled by immense enthusiasm.”
“There was never any aggression or even the slightest discomfort between us. Instead, there was an overwhelming joy that both of us experienced.”
Despite the current turbulence surrounding Rubiales, he remains hopeful that Spain will fare well after his departure.
Rubiales expressed his optimism that his departure would provide a positive impetus to Spain’s joint bid with Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.
