Luis Rubiales has stepped down as the President of Spanish football amid controversy surrounding his actions at the Women’s World Cup final. The decision came after criticism for kissing Spain’s forward, Jenni Hermoso, during the medal ceremony following Spain’s victory over England in Australia last month.
In a television interview, Rubiales announced his resignation, stating, “I cannot continue my work.”
The kiss, which Hermoso asserted she did not consent to, had generated significant backlash and pressure on Rubiales to resign from his position within Spanish football. Many figures in the football world deemed the kiss “inappropriate” and called for his removal.
Rubiales had previously dismissed calls for his resignation, maintaining his innocence and claiming that the kiss was mutually agreed upon during the celebrations.
The controversy surrounding the kiss overshadowed the achievements of the Spanish women’s football team, who had just secured their first-ever World Cup victory.
In response to Rubiales’ continued presence as president, Spain’s world champions had refused to participate in any matches. Their entire coaching staff resigned in protest, and the team’s World Cup-winning manager was dismissed after initially expressing support for Rubiales.
Jenni Hermoso, who had filed a legal complaint against Rubiales, asserted that she had not agreed to the kiss. FIFA, the global governing body for football, had also suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities for 90 days following the incident.
Rubiales, in a statement, acknowledged the swift suspension imposed by FIFA and the ongoing legal proceedings against him, leading him to conclude that he could not return to his position.
He stated, “Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.” However, Rubiales maintained his innocence and expressed his faith in the truth.
Rubiales also mentioned the toll the accusations had taken on his family and close friends. He cited their advice to focus on his dignity and move forward with his life to avoid further harm to loved ones and the sport he holds dear.
As he steps down, Rubiales expressed hope that his departure would enhance Spain’s joint bid with Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.
