In a stunning turn of events, Luis Rubiales, the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has tendered his resignation.
He resigned amidst the escalating criticism and legal troubles stemming from an incident during the Women’s World Cup victory ceremony.
The controversial moment unfolded when Rubiales forcibly kissed Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony, sparking a global backlash.
Rubiales, who had already been suspended by FIFA for 90 days, submitted his resignation to the federation’s interim president, Pedro Rocha, through an open letter. He elaborated on his decision to step down during a candid television interview on the show “Piers Morgan Uncensored.”
“I’m going to (resign), yes, because I cannot continue my work,” admitted the 46-year-old Rubiales, who has faced severe criticism not only from the public but also from within his inner circle.
“Family and friends say to me, ‘Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and continue your life. If not, you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love.'”
Hermoso, 33, took legal action by filing a formal complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales at the National Court. Spanish public prosecutors also filed a lawsuit against him, alleging sexual assault and coercion in connection with the incident.
In a Sunday night open letter, Rubiales announced his resignation from his role as a vice-president of UEFA, the European football governing body, stating, “After the swift suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of the procedures opened against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position.” He expressed his concern that clinging to his position would not benefit the federation or Spanish football.
Rubiales, who maintains that the kiss was consensual, expressed his faith in the truth prevailing and vowed to do everything in his power to uphold it. He believes his departure will contribute to “stability” in Spain’s bid for the 2030 men’s World Cup.
The pressure on Rubiales to resign had mounted in recent weeks, even leading to his mother, Angeles Bejar, going on a hunger strike in protest and locking herself in a church.
The fallout from the incident extended to the Spanish women’s team, with over 80 players going on strike to protest Rubiales’ initial defense of his actions and his criticism of “false feminism.” They vowed not to return until the RFEF leadership was changed. In response, controversial women’s coach Jorge Vilda was sacked.
Under interim president Pedro Rocha, the RFEF issued an apology for Rubiales’ “totally unacceptable behavior.” Montserrat Tome, formerly Vilda’s assistant, has become the new coach, marking the first time a woman has led the team.
As legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how the case will progress. Australian authorities have expressed willingness to assist in the investigation, but no official referral has been made to them yet.
Hermoso, who plays for the Mexican club Pachuca, has described the unwanted kiss as leaving her feeling “vulnerable and like the victim of an assault.” She accused Rubiales of pressuring her to defend him immediately after the controversy erupted, potentially constituting a crime of coercion, according to prosecutors.
