Luis Rubiales has announced his resignation as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after he was criticised for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final.
He said he could not “continue my work” during an interview on the TV show Piers Morgan Uncensored.
Rubiales kissed the midfielder on the lips during the trophy presentation following Spain’s victory over England, but Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual.
BREAKING: Luis Rubiales has sensationally resigned as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final. He revealed the news in a world exclusive interview for @PiersUncensored pic.twitter.com/Kl2uQTOzqv
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 10, 2023
FIFA suspended Rubiales pending an investigation into his behaviour, and Hermoso submitted a complaint to the national prosecutor’s office on Wednesday which is now with Spain’s high court.
In a statement on his unverified X account on Sunday evening, Rubiales said he had informed Pedro Rocha, who has been acting as RFEF president while he was suspended, that he was resigning, with the same applying to his position as a UEFA vice-president.
The 46-year-old wrote: “After the rapid suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of proceedings open against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position.
“Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.”
He added: “I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to prevail.
“My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing.”
Rubiales told Morgan: “About my resignation - yes, I am going to do (it). Of course, I cannot continue my work.”
The 46-year-old added: “My father, my daughters, I spoke with them...and some friends very close to me, and they say to me ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and to continue your life.’
“Because if you know probably you are going to damage people you love, and the sport you love...in this situation now, (it is) the thing I have to do.”
The former footballer initially refused to back down in the face of criticism from politicians including Spain’s Prime Minister, its men’s and women’s football teams and international stars including the Lionesses.
The England players issued a joint statement in support of Hermoso, saying: “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation.
“Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.”
— Ella Toone (@ellatoone99) August 25, 2023
The RFEF issued an apology on Tuesday and later the same day announced the dismissal of World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda.
The 42-year-old had been the only member of Spain women’s backroom staff who had not quit in protest at Rubiales’ previous refusal to step down. Vilda had also applauded Rubiales at an emergency general assembly of the RFEF on August 25 when the latter said he would not quit.
It is not yet clear whether Vilda’s dismissal and Rubiales’ resignation will be enough to prompt a return to action by Spain’s World Cup-winning squad for the Nations League matches against Sweden and Switzerland later this month.
The 23 players had been part of a group of 81 who had said they would not make themselves available for international duty until Rubiales had resigned.
As well as his conduct towards Hermoso, Rubiales was also criticised for grabbing his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory while stood in the stadium’s VIP area, metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter.
