Luis Rubiales has had to face intense criticism for weeks.
CNN –
Luis Rubiales resigned from his post as president of the Spanish Football Federation on Sunday after weeks of fierce criticism over his unwanted kiss with women’s world champion Jennifer Hermoso.
“Today at 9:30 p.m. I informed the Interim President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, that I had resigned as President of the RFEF,” Rubiales said a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I also informed him that I have also resigned from my position at UEFA so that my position as vice-president can be filled.”
“Insisting on waiting,” he continued, “and sticking with it will not bring anything positive, either for the federation or for Spanish football.” Among other things, because those in power will prevent my return.”
Rubiales vowed to clear his name against what he called “excessive persecution.”
“I believe in the truth and will do everything to ensure it prevails when it is in my hands,” he wrote. “My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution and many untruths, but it is also true that more truth is being forced on the streets every day.”
Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on Hermoso after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final on August 20 sparked condemnation in Spain and around the world. The 46-year-old previously apologized and described the kiss as “mutual” – a claim Hermoso dismissed, saying she didn’t agree and wasn’t respected.
The Spaniard has been provisionally suspended for 90 days by FIFA, the world football governing body, while a disciplinary investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Pedro Rocha took over the role.
CNN reached out to RFEF but did not immediately receive a response.
The Rubiales scandal has sparked a crisis in Spanish football. The government pushed for Rubiales’ resignation and RFEF fired world champion coach Jorge Vilda from his post last week. Vilda was filmed seemingly inappropriately touching a member of staff during the Women’s World Cup final. He was replaced by Montse Tomé, the first woman in the history of the Spanish national team to hold the position.
On Friday, Spain’s prosecutor filed a complaint against Rubiales “for the crimes of sexual assault and coercion against Jennifer Hermoso,” a prosecutor’s statement said, after Hermoso filed an official complaint with prosecutors.
The prosecutor’s complaint — part of the Spanish court process — paves the way for the Spanish national court to launch a formal investigation into Rubiales and begin collecting evidence that could lead to possible indictments.
The public outcry against the unwanted kiss came from all sectors of Spanish society, including politicians and sports stars.
Spain women’s team coaches resigned en masse and more than 80 Spanish soccer players put their names in a statement in support of Hermoso, saying they would not return to the national team “if the current leaders keep their posts”.